The world has been left in a state of shock and mourning following the death of Georgia high school teacher Jason Hughes, who died in a prank gone wrong, pulled by his students. Shortly after his death, five teenagers were arrested for their involvement in the alleged crime.
Just days after his death, Hughes’ wife issued a statement pleading that the charges against the teenagers be dropped.
Us Weekly breaks down everything to know about Hughes, his family, the GoFundMe page that has been set up in his honor and the case as it unravels, below.
What Happened to Jason Hughes?
On Thursday, March 5, a group of students from North Hall High School went to Hughes’ home in Gainesville, Georgia, with the intent to prank the math teacher by covering his front lawn, trees and home with toilet paper.
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The prank was part of an ongoing prank war, in which students tried to collect points with each task. Both Hughes and his wife were teachers at the school, which meant they would receive double the points for completing the task.
As the five teens — including 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace — threw toilet paper at the property, Hughes left his house and ran after the teens. As all of the teens ran away into different cars, Hughes tripped and fell in front of the car that Wallace was driving. Wallace then ran over Hughes and he suffered serious injuries.
Wallace and the other four teens did stop to try to help Hughes, who was dead by the time first responders pulled up to the scene.
Wallace was charged with felony first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving. Additionally, he is facing misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass and littering on private property.
Meanwhile, Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque and Ariana Cruz are also facing misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass and littering on private property for their involvement in the incident.
It is not currently clear if any of the teens have retained legal representation following or entered pleas. If Wallace is found guilty, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Jayden Wallace Broke Silence After Jason Hughes’ Death
Just five days after Hughes’ death, Wallace and his family broke their silence while speaking to 11Alive about the tragic incident.
“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,” Wallace’s family said in the statement on March 10. “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.”
Wallace also made his own comments in the statement.
“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,” he said.
Who Is Jason Hughes’ Family?
Hughes was married to his wife, Laura Hughes, and the couple shared young sons Owen and Luke.
After Hughes’ death, Laura told the New York Times that he “was excited” about the prank and was “waiting to catch them in the act.”
She went on to state that her family fully “supports getting the charges dropped for all involved,” adding that her husband loved the students.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” she said. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”
Georgia High School Issued Warning About Pranks Before Jason Hughes’ Death
Just hours before the fatal jape took place, Hall County School District asked seniors and juniors to not participate in the prank war tradition after things had been taken “too far” in previous years.
“While we understand that prom is a time for celebration and creating lasting memories, we must emphasize the importance of responsible behavior and respect for others and their property,” the district said in a statement on the afternoon of March 5, according to The New York Post. “In previous years, some pranks during prom season — sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars — have gone too far, resulting in damage to property.”
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The school district continued, “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 GoFundMe Was Launched to Support Jason Hughes’ Family
Following Hughes’ passing, a GoFundMe page was set up to help raise funds “to assist his family with immediate expenses and a future college fund for his children.”
“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,” the page read. “Please use this opportunity to come alongside them in their time of immediate need and future planning for his children.”
While the fundraising goal was set at $75,000, it has already raised over $302,000 as of time of publication.
