A beloved Georgia teacher was accidentally run over and killed outside his home by a student driving away from a prank involving toilet paper, authorities said. Jason Hughes, 40, a math instructor and athletics coach at North Hall High School in Gainesville, died after the incident on 6 March.
Five teenagers went to Hughes's home that night to wrap his trees in toilet paper as a practical joke known as 'rolling'. When Hughes emerged from his home, he tripped, fell into the road and was run over by one of the cars as the group tried to leave, according to the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
The driver, 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace, was arrested on charges including first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering. The other four teenagers were arrested on charges of criminal trespass and littering. All five have been released on bond pending the outcome of the case.
Hughes's widow, Laura, said in a statement that her family supports dropping the charges, describing the incident as a tragedy. 'This would be counter to Jason's lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children,' she said.
Hughes was remembered as a passionate teacher and mentor who also served as an academic coach for the school's football program and led Bible studies for the coaching staff. A memorial outside the school drew tributes from students and colleagues.
