American maths teacher Jason Hughes was killed in a prank gone wrong outside his home involving a group of students. Photo / GoFundMe
The family of an American high school teacher tragically killed in a late-night toilet paper prank gone wrong have called for the criminal charges against the students who were allegedly involved to be dropped.
Jason Hughes, 40, lost his life when his home was targeted in an annual pre-prom tradition where students “attack” each other’s homes with toilet papering, eggs and other food, in the week leading up to the school formal season in the US.
However, the practical joke took a fatal turn when the maths teacher at North Hall High School in Gainesville, in the northeastern part of Georgia, died after being hit by a fleeing vehicle as he approached a group of pranksters and slipped on the road outside his home, the US Sun reports.
Hughes’ death was just days after the school district warned students of past pranks that went “too far”.
Five teenagers have since been arrested, including Jayden Wallace, 18, who was allegedly driving the pick-up truck that hit Hughes, and who has been charged with homicide.
Wallace now faces charges including first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering on private property, CBS News reports.
The four other teenagers and alleged co-pranksters, Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Lucque, and Ariana Cruz, all 18 years old, have been charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property – misdemeanour offences.
Hughes’ wife family has confirmed she supports dropping the charges.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” Laura Hughes, Hughes’ wife, who is also a teacher at North Hall, told the New York Times.
“This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”
She added that her late husband was not going to confront the students as previously reported, but instead “was excited and waiting to catch them in the act”.
The teacher’s home had earlier been described as a “clear target” for the students’ so-called “prank war”, the New York Post reported.
This is because teachers’ homes were worth two points according to last year’s rule set, and both Mr Hughes and his wife were teachers.
Students were said to lose points if they were “caught” in the act by the teacher.
Police said Hughes saw the teenagers allegedly “rolling” toilet paper across his home and had stepped outside as the group were getting into their vehicles to flee the scene.
It was raining out, People reports, causing Hughes to trip and fall into the road where he was struck by a pick-up truck allegedly driven by Wallace.
Despite desperate attempts to help the teacher, he died from his injuries on Friday at a local hospital.
Hughes leaves behind Laura and their two children.
Just hours before Hughes was fatally run over, the local school district warned students to steer clear of “engaging in destructive behaviour” and going “too far” during its annual “Junior/Senior” wars.
The Hall County School District shared a lengthy message on Facebook about responsibility and detailed how students are expected to act.
“In previous years, some pranks during prom season – sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars – have gone too far, resulting in damage to property,” it read.
“We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property.”
It concluded by warning students that it is “essential to recognise the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behaviour, such as criminal charges and potential repercussions on participation in graduation ceremonies.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of making responsible choices and thinking about the long-term impact of your actions,” it concluded.
After Hughes’ death, the school said: “Our hearts are broken”.
“Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father; a passionate teacher, mentor and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues,” it continued.
“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.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up “to assist his family with immediate expenses and a future college fund for his children”.
It reads: “Jason’s life was a blessing to so many, and his untimely passing will be indescribably difficult for his wife and two young boys for years to come.”
Currently, it has raised almost US$300,000 (about $506,000), and has been flooded with messages of support.
“What a senseless tragedy,” one donor wrote.
The death is still under investigation, authorities have said.
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