A Texas high school student and athlete has been rendered permanently paralyzed after being shot while attempting to assist a friend during a violent altercation earlier this month.

The incident took place at about 12:40 a.m. on March 19, when authorities received a report of a large fight and a shooting in the parking lot of a Waffle House in Richardson, as reported by FOX 4.

Upon arriving at the scene, police discovered an individual with a gunshot wound and promptly transported the victim to the hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

The victim was later identified as Seth Jackson, an 18-year-old senior attending Richardson High School, according to FOX 4.

Seth Jackson, the 18-year-old student, was shot while rushing to aid his friend during the brawl at the Waffle House parking lot in Richardson, Texas, on March 19, 2026, and has been left permanently paralyzed, as reported by FOX 4.

“Calls in the middle of the night rarely bring good news,” Jackson’s father, James Jackson, expressed to the news outlet.

Jackson reportedly became involved in the brawl after witnessing his friend being attacked. 

“He saw five guys jump on his friend, so out of knee-jerk reaction he kind of headed over there,” James Jackson told FOX 4. “So he just headed over there and never made it within 10–15 feet.”

Video obtained by FOX 4 does not show Jackson anywhere near the alleged gunman as he approaches the group involved in the brawl.

Seth Jackson was reportedly running to help his friend during a violent brawl in a Waffle House parking lot in Richardson, Texas on March 19, 2026. (Obtained by FOX 4)

The shooting left Jackson paralyzed from the waist down, with a ruptured lung, fractured ribs and a shattered spinal cord, according to the outlet.

Shortly after the incident, two individuals were taken into custody stemming from their alleged roles in the tragic fight.

Taylor Griffin, 18, and Charles Webster, 17, were both arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, according to FOX 4. 

Taylor Griffin, 18, was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity stemming from his alleged role in a brawl and shooting that left 18-year-old Seth Jackson permanently paralyzed in Richardson, Texas on March 19, 2026, according to FOX 4. (Obtained by FOX 4)

Charles Webster, 17, was arrested and charged with engaging in organized criminal activity stemming from his alleged role in a brawl and shooting that left 18-year-old Seth Jackson permanently paralyzed in Richardson, Texas on March 19, 2026, according to FOX 4. (Obtained by FOX 4)

Authorities believe Griffin and Webster were involved in the events leading up to and immediately following the shooting, which allegedly escalated due to a conflict between both groups, according to FOX 4.

Prior to his injury, Jackson worked two jobs and played for the Richardson High School basketball team.

He had also already received his acceptance to the University of Houston and signed a lease for an apartment in the fall, Jackson’s father told FOX 4.

But instead of preparing for college, Jackson’s family is now working to make their home wheelchair accessible. 

“I’ve got to go around the house and get a carpenter to modify the bathroom doors,” James Jackson said. “We’ve got to remodel his bathroom.”

“Hug your kids. You don’t know when is the last time you’re going to see them.”

The Richardson Police Department declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment, citing the active investigation.