High School Teacher, 40, Dies When Students’ Prank Goes Wrong, Days After District Warned About Stunts Going ‘Too Far’

YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Georgia high school teacher Jason Hughes died at his home on Friday, March 6, after an alleged prank went wrong.

• Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving, while four other people were also arrested.

• The deadly prank came just days after the Hall County School District warned students that it had “gone too far” with prom pranks.

A high school teacher in Georgia died after an alleged prank went wrong, just days after the school district warned students that pranks from past prom season had gone “too far.”

Jason Hughes, 40, died after being run over by an 18-year-old boy who was playing a prank with four other people at his home in Gainesville, Ga., late Friday evening, March 6. WSB-TV and NBC affiliate WXIA It was reported, citing the Hall County Sheriff’s Office.

According to WXIA, five people, including 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace, covered or “rolled” the teacher’s trees with toilet paper. According to the news based on the police, when Hughes left his house, the group got into two different vehicles and fled the scene.

One of the vehicles was Wallace’s pickup truck and ran over Hughes after the teacher tripped and fell on the road, according to WXIA and WSB-TV.

Wallace and others involved in the prank stopped and tried to help Hughes until emergency responders arrived at the scene, according to the press release. He later died in hospital.

Police arrested Wallace at the scene and four others identified by WSB-TV: Elijah Tate Owens, 18, Aiden Hucks, 18, Ana Katherine Luque, 18, and Ariana Cruz, 18. They are all Gainesville residents and Hughes, according to WXIA.

Wallace is charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving in connection with Hughes’ death, according to WSB-TV and WXIA. He, along with four others at the scene, were also charged with trespassing on private property and littering, according to media reports.

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 the father of two young boys. GoFundMe fundraiser. In a statement obtained by WXIA, a Hall County School District spokesperson described him as a “loving husband” and “devoted father.”

In the statement made by the district, it was said, “We are heartbroken.” “Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father, a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by his students and colleagues. He gave so much to so many people in so many ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family. We ask the media and the public to respect their privacy as they grieve this incredible loss.”

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Just days before the deadly March 6 incident, the district issued a statement to parents and students warning students about prom pranks in what it called the “Junior/Senior Wars,” noting that some had “gone too far” in past years. Facebook.

Hall County School District said in part: “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.” “In years past, some pranks during prom season (sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars) have gone too far and resulted in property damage.”

The district continued: “We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activity that could damage or destroy school or personal property. Such actions not only reflect negatively on the individual involved, but also bring disrepute to our schools, families, and community.” “It is very important to recognize the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behavior.”

The school district warned that “destruction of property could lead to criminal charges, not to mention potential repercussions on your participation in graduation ceremonies and other special events planned for this time of year.”

“We cannot emphasize enough the importance of making responsible choices and considering the long-term effects of your actions,” the district warned.

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