A Georgia teacher was accidentally run over and killed outside his home after 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 being struck by a car driven by an 18-year-old student.
Five teenagers went to Hughes's home on the night of 6 March to cover his trees with toilet paper, a prank known as rolling. As they tried to leave in two cars, Hughes emerged from his home, tripped, fell into the road, and was run over by one of the vehicles, according to the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
The driver, Jayden Ryan Wallace, was arrested on charges including first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass, and littering. Four other teenagers were arrested on trespass and littering charges. All have been released on bond pending the outcome of the case.
Hughes's widow, Laura, has called for the charges to be dropped, saying in a statement that her family does not want the students' lives ruined. She said Hughes had anticipated the prank and was playfully waiting to catch the teens, not seeking to confront them angrily.
Hughes was remembered as a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who also led Bible studies for the football coaching staff and participated in a student mentoring programme. A memorial was set up outside the school, where students paid tribute to his positive influence.
