NEED TO KNOW
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Georgia high school teacher Jason Hughes died at his home after an alleged prank went wrong on Friday, March 6
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Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, has been charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving, while four others have also been arrested
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The fatal prank came just days after the Hall County School District warned students about prom pranks that “have gone too far”
A Georgia high school teacher is dead after an alleged prank went wrong, just days after his school district warned students of past prom season pranks that went “too far.”
Jason Hughes, 40, died late in the evening of Friday, March 6, after he was run over at his Gainesville, Ga. home by an 18-year-old who was pulling a prank along with four other individuals, WSB-TV and NBC affiliate WXIA reported, citing the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.
Five people, including Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, covered or “rolled” the teacher’s trees with toilet paper, according to WXIA. When Hughes came out of his home, the group got into two different vehicles to flee the scene, the outlet reported, citing police.
One of the vehicles was Wallace’s pickup truck, with which he ran over Hughes after the teacher tripped and fell into the road, per WXIA and WSB-TV.
Wallace and others involved in the prank stopped and attempted to aid Hughes until emergency responders arrived at the scene, according to the outlets. He later died at the hospital.
Jason Hughes
Credit: gofundme
Police arrested Wallace at the scene, along with the four others, whom WSB-TV identified as: Elijah Tate Owens, 18, Aiden Hucks, 18, Ana Katherine Luque, 18, and Ariana Cruz, 18. They are all Gainesville residents, per WXIA, as was Hughes.
Wallace has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving in connection with Hughes’ death, according to WSB-TV and WXIA. He, along with the four others at the scene, has also been charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property, per the outlets.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Sunday, March 8.
Hughes was a teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Ga. and a father of two young boys, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser. In a statement obtained by WXIA, a Hall County School District spokesperson described him as a “loving husband” and “devoted father.”
“Our hearts are broken,” the district’s statement reads. “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. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family. We ask that the media and the public respect their privacy as they grieve this incredible loss.”
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A Hall County Sheriff’s Department vehicle
Credit: Hall County Sheriff’s Department/Facebook
Just days before the fatal March 6 incident, the district warned students about prom pranks included in what it dubbed “Junior/Senior Wars,” stating that some in years past “have gone too far” in a statement addressed to parents and students on Facebook.
“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 Hall County School District said in part. “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,” the district continued. “It’s essential to recognize the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behavior.”
The school district went on to warn that “damaging property can lead to criminal charges, not to mention the potential repercussions on your participation in graduation ceremonies and other special events planned for this time of year.”
“We cannot stress enough the importance of making responsible choices and thinking about the long-term impact of your actions,” the district warned.
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