Family of deceased teacher instantly forgives teenagers for prank’s accidental death

 
The family of Georgia teacher Jason Hughes, accidentally killed March 6 in a student prank gone bad, has incredibly asked all charges be dropped against the students involved. 

Hughes was tragically struck with a pickup truck while five students from North Hall High School northeast of Atlanta visited his home to “toilet paper” the trees on his property – a common teenage prank and reportedly a tradition of the school’s junior-senior wars.

Hughes died from his injuries in the emergency room that night.

“Jason loved these students and they loved him too. Our family fully supports getting the charges dropped for all involved,” the family said in a statement obtained by NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta.

Hughes, 40, taught math and coached golf at North Hall High School, where he also directed Next Generation 3 (NG3), which encourages “character development and mentoring” in schools, according to People.  

“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” the statement continues. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”

“There was no ‘confrontation,’” the family’s statement explained. “Jason knew the students were coming, and he was excited and waiting to “catch them” in the act. It had been raining and he accidentally slipped and fell into the road in front of the vehicle as they were driving away and was hit. The students immediately tried to provide aid until paramedics arrived.”

The five teenagers, all of whom are 18 years old, arrived to Hughes’ property in two separate vehicles, and Jayden Wallace was driving the truck when he struck Hughes, according to NBC News.

Wallace’s parents said they were in “deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss,” according to a statement from his attorney. “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 and his family offered their “deepest sorrow and sincerest apology” to the Hughes family.

The young man said he would live his life for Jesus in honor of Hughes: “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 faces charges of vehicular homicide and reckless driving, along with criminal trespass and littering, which the other four teenagers face.

Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh said he will review the case with “great deference” to the family’s desire to drop the charges.

All five students have been released on bond, and Wallace is scheduled for a court appearance April 1, although Darragh said he would announce a decision before the hearing, according to Yahoo News.

Hughes is survived by his wife, Laura, and two young sons, Luke and Owen, according to his obituary. A memorial service in honor of Hughes will be held at Family Church in Gainesville Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be given to the NG3 organization in his memory. 

(Image credit: Screenshot/YouTube/ABC News)