The teenage student who was charged in the death of a Georgia teacher who died after a senior prank went wrong is expressing his condolences to the educator’s family.
Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, and his family released a statement after he was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving related to math teacher Jason Hughes’ death.
On March 6, Wallace and four other students threw rolls of toilet paper at Hughes’ home, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. When Hughes went outside, the teenagers attempted to leave in two cars. The 40-year-old teacher then “tripped and fell into the road and was run over” by one of the vehicles, allegedly driven by Wallace.
Jason Hughes.Jason Hughes
The teenagers attempted to aid Hughes until authorities arrived at the scene, the sheriff’s office stated. He was taken to the hospital where he died.
“We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community,” Wallace’s family said in a statement released by their attorney and obtained by NBC News. “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.”
Wallace’s parents said that their son “expresses his deepest sorrow and sincerest apology to the Hughes family,” before the teen made his own 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,” Wallace said.
Police reported that Wallace, as well as the four other individuals, were also charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property, which are misdemeanors.
Hughes, who taught at North Hall High School, had been waiting for the teens to pull off the prank and “was excited and waiting to catch them in the act,” according to Hughes’ family.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” the Hughes’ family said in a statement also obtained by NBC News. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”
The Hughes family also supported “getting the charges dropped for all involved.”
According to NBC News, Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh has yet to respond whether his office will consider dropping the charges against Wallace and the other student. The investigation is ongoing.
Hughes’ death is a devastating loss for the North Hall high school community. There is a growing memorial for Hughes, who was also the golf coach, at the school.
Students, including sophomore Olivia Williams, called it an “awful” incident.
“I think it’s taken a toll on a lot of the community because he was very, very big in the community,” she told WXIA’s Gilat Melamed, noting that he “was always cheering people on.
Shayden Maynor, a former student of Hughes, also said the late teacher “was always the man I could call and he would always be there for anybody.”