Wife of US teacher killed in student prank gone wrong wants all charges dropped
The wife of an American teacher killed in a student prank gone wrong wants all charges against the teens involved dropped.
A group of teenagers went to Jason Hughes' home in Gainesville, Georgia on Friday night (Saturday afternoon AEDT) armed with rolls of toilet paper to throw over trees, the New York Times reports.
The 40-year-old, a teacher at North Hall High School, knew the good-natured prank was coming, and went outside to catch them in the act but reportedly slipped and fell in the rain just as the teens were leaving the scene in two cars.
LIVE UPDATES: Australia to send high-tech military plane and missiles to Middle East
Laura (left) and her husband Jason Hughes, who was killed in a prank gone wrong last week. Jason Hughes/Facebook
Hughes was run over by one of the cars and died.
Hall County Sheriff's office have now charged 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace with homicide by vehicle in the first degree, criminal trespass, reckless driving and littering.
The sheriff's office confirmed to the Times that Wallace did stop and attempt to give his teacher first aid but could not revive him.
Another four teens were also charged with misdemeanours, criminal trespass and littering.
In a statement viewed by the Times, Hughes' wife Laura, who is also a teacher at North Hall, said her husband was not going to confront the students, but was "excited and waiting to catch them in the act".
She said the family supports all charges being dropped.
The couple were both teachers at North Hall High School. Laura Hughes/Facebook
"This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students," Hughes said.
"This would be counter to Jason's lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children."
The superintendent of the school district reportedly released a statement in praise of the late teacher and coach.
"Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father; a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues," Will Schofield.
"He gave so much to so many in numerous ways as he faithfully served God.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family."
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
