Texas student athlete left paralyzed after coming to friend’s aid at Waffle House — and gunman is still on loose

A straight-A student athlete has been left paralyzed after he was shot in a Waffle House parking lot while coming to the aid of a friend, according to his family.

Seth Jackson, 18, suffered a ruptured lung and aorta, fractured ribs and a shattered spinal cord in the terrifying incident in Richardson, Texas, on March 19, WFAA reported.

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

“They said he’ll never walk again,” Seth’s father, James Jackson, told WFAA, as he described receiving the phone call no parent ever wants to hear.

Seth Jackson (center) with his parents, holding his framed #3 Eagles basketball jersey, standing in front of an oversized basketball graphic and balloons.
Seth Jackson, 18, was left paralyzed after he was shot in a Waffle House parking lot.Go Fund Me“It’s every parent’s nightmare,” he said.

Charles Webster, 17, and Taylor Griffin, 18 — have both been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, but the shooter is still on the loose, according to the elder Jackson.

“Why would this guy shoot my son?” James said, describing him 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.

James Jackson, father of paralyzed teen Seth Jackson, sitting for an interview.
Seth’s father, James Jackson, said the phone call about his son’s injuries was “every parent’s nightmare.”FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth

Mugshot of Charles Webster, 17, who was arrested in connection with the shooting of Seth Jackson.
Mugshot of Charles Webster, 17.Richardson Police Department

Mugshot of Taylor Griffin.
Mugshot of Taylor Griffin, 18.Richardson Police Department
The family had recently helped Seth secure the lease for an apartment near his future campus.

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

Seth is out of the intensive care unit following three surgeries in three days, but remains hospitalized, and faces a lengthy recovery process, according to his family, who have set up a fundraiser for his rehabilitation.

“Our number one concern is that he survives it. We’ll figure out the changes we need to make,” James said.