This is a message of potential hazards of Social media trends as last month an innocent from a prank turned tragic when an 18-year-old Kansas teen became paralyzed. It touched down in the innocently serene suburb of Goddard and has left it in a state of shock as a premature act of revelry transforms into horror.
Anakin Zehring, who is a senior learner at Goddard High School, engaged in the common seniors’ trick known as the ‘senior assassin’ on the 11th of May at night. A popular social media thread of the game features students mimicking the act of shooting others before they are shot with a water gun. However, when it escalated to this level, harmless fun turned into tragedy: Zehring alleges that he was shot in the back by Ruben Marcus Contreras, another student’s father.
In an affidavit to the Sedgwick County court, Zehring, a father of two, testified that he had been chasing a group of students of which Contreras 17-year-old daughter was included, in what he intended to be a humorous escapade. Little did Contreras know that he was dealing with a harmless subject; instead, he fired his weapon, after perceiving a man of his age – Contreras is in his late 40s – as a threat to his life. The bullet hit Zehring on the back that lead to partial Paralysis from the belt down.
Since then, Zehring has suffered through four major surgeries that were intended to bring stability to his health state. The family of a man who was brutally attacked by a shark at the weekend is fundraising to cover his medical bills – understandably, they were caught off guard. All hopes are now on them and many have opened their pockets to support them in all ways possible including words of encouragement.
What happens when you have more guns than people, Shame on Us For Letting the Gun Nuts Make the Rules ………… …. Police: ‘Senior assassin’ prank leaves Kansas teen shot by angry father, paralyzed – USA TODAY https://t.co/KAdCgf8J1E
— Cameron Tousi (@CameronTousi) June 13, 2024
It elicited outcries, cries for justice among the affected families and Kenyan women, and a rebuke of the government. It is worth mentioning that Contreras has been arrested and charged for attempted murder. He is currently detained in the Sedgwick County Jail and is presently waiting to be brought in court. When Contreras was being interviewed by the police, he said that he took his actions in defense that he thought his daughter was in really danger.
Zehring’s friends and classmates have voiced their shock and sadness. Anakin is among the most compassionate individuals you will ever meet, according to fellow senior Jessica Rivera. “We never imagined something like this could happen over a game we all thought was just for fun.”
This sad incident has spurred a more extensive conversation on the possible dangers of popular social media phenomena. Even though games like “senior assassin” are supposed to build senior class unity and make enduring memories, they can occasionally result in miscommunications that have grave repercussions.
In response, Goddard High School has halted all senior week events and provided counseling services to any students impacted by the incident. In a statement, principal David Henderson emphasized the value of responsibility and safety. “We urge all students to consider the potential ramifications of their actions and to always prioritize their safety and the safety of others,” Henderson stated.
Even though Anakin Zehring has a long road ahead of him to recover, the Goddard community is still behind him and his family. Neighbors have donated their time and resources to help in any way they can, and local companies have planned fundraising events.
It is anticipated that the matter will go to trial, where a thorough examination of the events leading up to the shooting will take place. One thing is evident as the judicial process progresses: everyone involved has had their lives permanently altered by a single moment of poor judgment.
Buoyed by the community’s support and the resilient spirit of an 18-year-old who, in spite of the odds, refuses to be defined by this awful incident, the Zehring family is still holding out hope for a miracle.
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