ATLANTA (ANF/Gray News) — The family of an 18-year-old charged with vehicular homicide in a tragic prank gone wrong said they are “in deep remorse” over a teacher’s death.
In a statement, Jayden “Jay” Wallace’s parents said the teacher, Jason Hughes, “meant the world” to their son.
Officials confirmed 40-year-old Hughes, who taught at North Hall High School, was killed.
Five high school students went to Hughes’ house late Friday night to pull off an apparent prank by throwing toilet paper on his trees.
Officials confirmed 40-year-old Jason Hughes, who taught at North Hall High School, was killed in the tragedy.(Shayden Maynor via Atlanta News First)
Around 11 p.m., Hughes came out of his house to confront the group of teens, who got into cars and began driving away. Hughes tripped and fell before being run over by one of the fleeing vehicles.
Wallace, the driver, was charged with reckless driving and first-degree vehicular homicide.
“He [Hughes] took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact,” the family said in a statement.
Wallace himself added, “I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten.”
“We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community.
Jason Hughes meant the world to our son, Jayden. He took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact.
Along with the rest of our family, Jay expresses his deepest sorrow and sincerest apology to the Hughes family: ‘I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten.’”
The other four students involved — Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque and Ariana Cruz, all 18 — were arrested and charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
Meanwhile, Hughes’ wife said she wants all charges dropped against the students, adding that this was a “terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students.”
She also said that “this would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”
Wallace is scheduled to have his preliminary hearing on April 1, according to the Hall County Magistrate Court.
An online fundraiser for the Hughes family has raised nearly $490,000 as of Wednesday.
The organizer wrote, “Jason’s life was a blessing to so many, and his untimely passing will be indescribably difficult for his wife and two young boys for years to come. Please use this opportunity to come alongside them in their time of immediate need and future planning for his children.”
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