Central Michigan QB John Keller checks out of hospital, recovering at home after near-fatal shooting incident

It’s been a life-changing three weeks for the Keller family, but they got a glimmer of hope on Friday afternoon, as Central Michigan backup QB John Keller was allowed to be discharged from Hurley Medical Center on Friday afternoon, a major step in his recovery from a near-fatal, off-campus shooting incident in late April.

“Very thankful to be heading home today,” Keller wrote on Twitter. “First, I have to thank [God] and I want to thank all of you for the prayers and support as they have been answered on this tough road. Thank you Hurley [Medical center] for saving my life.”

Keller and another victim, CMU senior Tyler Bunting, were victims of an off-campus shooting taking place at Mt. Pleasant’s Deerfield Apartments early in the morning on April 25, after an altercation broke out at a party. The assailant then left the altercation, procured a weapon, and returned to fire into the building before fleeing the scene, per Isabella County’s Sheriff Department. Bunting was treated in a Midland hospital, and known to be in stable condition after the incident.

The assailant, identified as Kenneth Thomas, a resident of Detroit, Michigan, was taken into custody on a 10-count felony warrant by ICSD authorities on April 27, per Central Michigan Life.

Keller, a rising junior, was expected to be in the mix for the Chippewas’ primary backup role for the 2021-22 season after sitting out the 2020 season as a transfer redshirt. The Canton, Ohio, resident had previously joined the program after a season spent at the University of Cincinnati.

It is as of yet unknown if he will be able to return to playing shape for fall camps, but the fact he is able to return home under his own power about a month removed from being on a ventilator and in critical condition is an encouraging sign for his recovery.

A GoFundMe for the Keller family’s medical expenses can be found by following the link here.