A high school teacher in Georgia died after being accidentally run over outside his home when a prank carried out by some of his students took a tragic turn, authorities said. Jason Hughes, 40, stepped outside his house after noticing students throwing toilet paper over trees in what appeared to be a typical prank.According to officials, Hughes slipped and fell on the rain-soaked ground while approaching the students. As the teenagers attempted to flee the scene in two separate vehicles, one of the cars unintentionally ran over him.
Police said the student behind the wheel has been charged with vehicular homicide. However, the teacher’s family has called for the charges to be withdrawn.In a statement to the New York Times, Hughes’ wife, Laura Hughes, who also works as a teacher at the same high school, described her husband as someone deeply loved by his students.
She explained that he was already aware of the prank and had been waiting outside, hoping to catch the students in the act.Authorities identified the student driver as 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace. He and two other students reportedly remained at the scene and attempted to help Hughes before emergency responders arrived and rushed him to the hospital.
Wallace and four other teenagers involved in the incident have also been charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property.Despite the charges, Hughes’ wife told the New York Times that the family supports dropping all legal action against the students involved. She described the incident as a heartbreaking accident and said the family does not want the tragedy to destroy the lives of the young people involved.
According to her, pursuing severe punishment would go against Hughes’ lifelong commitment to supporting and mentoring his students.The sheriff’s office has not yet issued additional comments on the matter. A spokesperson for the Hall County School District told local media that Hughes will be remembered as a dedicated educator, mentor and coach who was admired by both students and staff. Members of the community have since created a memorial outside the school where Hughes worked and coached to honour his memory.
Source : https://www.bbc.com/
