Family of high school teacher who died in freak accident after students’ prank went wrong speak out
The family of Jason Hughes have spoken out for the first time following his tragic death on Thursday (5 March), which unfolded as the result of a 'harmless' prank by his students.
The 40-year-old, who taught maths at North Hall High School, in Gainesville, Georgia, lost his life as the result of a practical joke gone wrong, as part of a 'Junior vs Senior' prank war.
A group of five teenagers - Jayden Ryan Wallace, Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz - were throwing toilet roll around the teacher's front garden, which was supposed to earn them points as part of a fun annual tradition before spring break.
However, when he saw them and came outside, the group fled to their cars so not to get caught, but because of slippy conditions in the rain, he fell into the road.
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The teacher was allegedly run over by 18-year-old Wallace's pick-up truck, which killed him.
Despite members of the group staying to administer first aid and call for an ambulance, Hughes later died in hospital of his injuries.
Wallace has since been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass, and littering on private property, while the other four teens who were with him were charged with criminal trespass and littering.
However, the teacher's wife, Laura Hughes, who he has heartbreakingly left behind, as well as their two young sons, has now spoken out and asked for charges against all five teenagers to be dropped.
Laura is also a teacher at North Hall, and she wants the world to know that her husband and the students involved loved one another.
She explained that he wasn't going to confront the students but instead 'was excited and waiting to catch them in the act'.
The widow told The New York Times: "This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students. This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children."
She added the family fully 'supports getting the charges dropped for all involved'.
In a separate statement to Access WDUN, Laura said: “Our family wants to thank the Hall County community for the outpouring of prayers and support and the respect for our privacy as we grieve the loss of Jason.
“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident, along with their families. Please join us in extending grace and mercy to them as Christ has done for us."
Will Schofield, superintendent of the Hall County School District, has also paid tribute to Hughes.
He said in a statement: “Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father; a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues.
"He gave so much to so many in numerous ways as he faithfully served God. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family."
As we say, the toilet roll prank was thought to part of a 'prank war' that happens every year between the students.
Because two teachers, Jason and Laura, lived together, students would get double the points for pranking them, and they were said to lose points if they were 'caught,' which may be why they were rushing from the scene when the tragedy occurred.
Just hours before the incident, Hall County School District warned students not to take the pranks 'too far'.
Their statement on Facebook, read: "In previous years, some pranks during prom season - sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars - have gone too far, resulting in damage to property.
"We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property. Such actions not only reflect poorly on the individual involved but also tarnish the reputation of our schools, families, and community."
A fundraiser has been set up to support Laura and her two children. You can donate here.
Madison Burgess