Ohio Teen Paralyzed in Incident at State-Run Youth Prison

Parents say the youth prison system "failed" their 15-year-old son Terrance, who is now paralyzed from the neck down.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A 15-year-old Ohio boy named Terrance is paralyzed from the neck down following an incident at the state-run Indian River Juvenile Correction Facility in Massillon. Terrance's parents, Tenayuh Mosby and Robert Bragg, say the youth prison system "failed him" and that "nobody protected him." Terrance suffered a severe spinal cord injury on January 12th and has undergone multiple surgeries. He was discharged from state custody on January 26th and is now in rehabilitation. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, and the state's governor has called it a "horrible tragedy."

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about safety and oversight in Ohio's juvenile detention system. A 2023 investigation uncovered chronic violence, staff shortages, and children held in solitary confinement at these facilities. The governor has appointed a group to examine the system and recommend reforms, including closing the large youth prisons in favor of smaller, community-based centers. Terrance's case illustrates the human toll of these systemic issues and the need for greater accountability and change.

The details

Terrance, 15, arrived at the Indian River Juvenile Correction Facility just 8 days before the incident that left him paralyzed. According to his parents, Terrance got into trouble when police found him in possession of stolen guns - his "first time ever being in trouble." On January 12th, Terrance was involved in an incident with another youth that resulted in him suffering a severe spinal cord injury. State officials showed Terrance's parents a 40-second surveillance video clip of the incident, which they say showed Terrance and the other youth "horseplaying." However, Terrance's parents have more questions about what led up to the incident and the response by staff. State rules prohibit horseplay and require staff intervention.

  • On January 12th, Terrance suffered the severe spinal cord injury at the Indian River Juvenile Correction Facility.
  • On January 13th, Terrance's parents were called to the hospital and found him paralyzed from the neck down.
  • On January 26th, the Ohio Department of Youth Services discharged Terrance from state custody.
  • On February 4th, Terrance was transferred to MetroHealth Old Brooklyn Medical Center for acute rehabilitation.

The players

Terrance

A 15-year-old Ohio boy who is now paralyzed from the neck down following an incident at the state-run Indian River Juvenile Correction Facility.

Tenayuh Mosby

Terrance's mother, who says the youth prison system "failed him" and "nobody protected him."

Robert Bragg

Terrance's father, who was shocked to find his son paralyzed and chained to a hospital bed.

Amy Ast

Director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services, who met with Terrance's parents at the hospital.

Ginine Trim

Assistant director of the Ohio Department of Youth Services, who also met with Terrance's parents at the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“They failed him. Nobody protected him. He shouldn't be like this. He shouldn't be in the hospital at all. They failed him.”

— Tenayuh Mosby, Terrance's mother (The Dispatch)

“He was chained to the bed. I didn't understand that. If he's paralyzed, he ain't going anywhere.”

— Robert Bragg, Terrance's father (The Dispatch)

“Look, it's a great tragedy. That's a horrible, horrible tragedy.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating the January 12th incident and will eventually release details. Governor DeWine, who has been briefed on the case, said the investigation will be made public.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for reform and accountability in Ohio's juvenile detention system. Terrance's parents' heartbreak over their son's life-altering injury underscores the human cost of the systemic problems plaguing these facilities, which a recent investigation found include chronic violence, staffing shortages, and the use of solitary confinement. With the governor now involved, there is hope that meaningful changes will be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future and better protect vulnerable youth in state custody.