18-Year-Old Texas Student Athlete Will ‘Never Walk Again’ After Being Shot While Saving Friend

A student athlete in Texas, identified as Seth Jackson, was left paralyzed after he was shot by a gunman when he went to rescue a friend at a Waffle House parking lot in Richardson, Texas, on March 19, according to the family of the victim. The gunman has not yet been arrested, authorities said.

According to a report by WFAA, Jaskson, a, 18-year-old straight-A student athlete, suffered a ruptured lung and aorta, broken ribs, and a shattered spine in the incident. Jackson’s family said he had gone to help a friend who was in trouble when he was attacked and shot.

The Richardson High School senior had gone to help a friend who was being attacked by a group of teens when at least one of them pulled out a gun and shot Jackson as he tried to run away, the family said.

When Jackson’s parents reached the hospital, the doctors delivered the devastating news. “They said he will never walk again,” the victim’s father, James Jackson, told WFAA as he described receiving the phone call no parent ever wants to hear.

“It’s every parent’s nightmare,” he added.

Two teenagers, who have been arrested and are currently in custody, have been identified as Charles Webstar, 17, and Taylor Griffin, 18. They have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity. According to the father of the victim, the shooter is still on the loose.

“Why would this guy shoot my son?” James Jackson said, describing his son as an athlete, a straight-A student, and a two-job worker who had recently committed to attending the University of Houston in the fall. The family of the victim recently helped him secure a lease on an apartment near the campus where he would be attending.

“Life changes,” James Jackson said, while snapping his fingers.

After the attack, Jackson was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent three surgeries in three days and is presently said to be out of the intensive care unit (ICU). However, Jackson remains hospitalized and faces a lengthy recovery process, according to the family, who have set up a fundraising campaign for his rehabilitation.

“Our number one concern is if he survives it, we will figure out changes we need to make,” James, the father of the victim, said. Jackson is now preparing for a future they never expected.