Grand Prairie, TX — May 6, 2025 -- A South Grand Prairie High School senior is fighting for his life after suffering a severe head injury while participating in the popular but controversial game Senior Assassin.
The incident occurred on April 20 in an Arlington neighborhood, where 17-year-old Isaac Leal was playing the game with classmates. Security footage shows Leal jumping onto the back of a moving Jeep, attempting to evade elimination. However, after several turns, the vehicle hit a dip in the road, causing him to lose his grip and fall onto the pavement.
Leal, a standout baseball player just weeks away from graduation, was rushed to Medical City Arlington, where he remains on life support. His parents, Jose Leal and Raquel Vazquez, have been by his side since the accident, expressing frustration over the lack of immediate police response.
"Everything was planned out, but plans changed overnight," Vazquez said, emphasizing the life-threatening risks of the game.
The Arlington Police Department confirmed that EMS responded to the scene, but officers were not dispatched until days later when the family contacted authorities. The department’s Traffic Division is now leading the investigation.
Senior Assassin, a game played by high school seniors nationwide, involves students tracking and eliminating opponents using water guns. While seemingly harmless, critics argue that the game encourages reckless behavior, leading to injuries and dangerous situations.
Leal’s family hopes his story will serve as a warning to other students and parents about the risks involved.
"People need to be aware of games like this," Jose Leal said. "As a teenager, you're not thinking about what could go wrong."
Authorities urge students to exercise caution and avoid risky behavior while participating in the game.