‘Deep remorse’: Teen charged in teacher’s death during prank issues apology

by Atlanta First News staff

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The family of an 18-year-old charged with vehicular homicide in the tragic prank gone wrong says they are “in deep remorse.”

In a statement, the family says the North Hall County teacher, Jason Hughes, “meant the world” to their son Jayden “Jay” Wallace.

At around 11 p.m. on Friday, Hughes confronted a group of teens who were planning to throw toilet paper at his house as part of a junior/senior prank.

Officials confirmed 40-year-old Jason Hughes, who taught at North Hall High School, was killed in the tragedy.

The teens got into cars and began driving away. Hughes tripped and fell before being run over. Wallace was charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree.

“He took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact,” the family said.

Meanwhile, Hughes’ wife said she wants all charges dropped against the teens, 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.”

In the statement from the family, Wallace himself issued the following: “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.”