Georgia teacher killed in teen prank gone wrong. Wife fights to save students who ran over him

Authorities said Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving a pickup truck on North Gate Drive when the incident occurred. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office said Hughes fell to the road and was struck by the vehicle as Wallace began to drive away.

Hughes was given first aid at the scene and rushed to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. However, he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

What are the charges?

Wallace has been charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter, reckless driving, criminal trespassing and littering. Four other teenagers allegedly involved in the prank have also been charged with breaking and entering and littering.

Hughes’ death has affected the school community. Will Schofield, superintendent of the Hall County School District, described him as a dedicated educator and mentor. “Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father, a passionate teacher, mentor and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues,” Schofield said in a statement.

How is the dead teacher remembered?

Hughes had recently moved to Gainesville after teaching for a decade in Gwinnett County. He taught mathematics at North Hall High School along with his wife, Laura, and the couple was raising two sons, Luke and Owen.

Local residents and members of the school community have come out in support of Hughes’ family following the incident. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his wife and children has already raised more than $80,000.

Authorities said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Why does the dead professor’s family want to drop all charges?

Laura Hughes, the wife of the deceased teacher, who also teaches at North Hall, said Jason and the students “loved each other.” Hughes was “excited and hoping to catch them in the act.”

That is why the family “fully supports dropping charges for all involved.”

“This is a terrible tragedy and our family is determined to prevent another tragedy from happening that ruins the lives of these students,” she said. “This would go against Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of these children.”

The five teens involved in the deadly crash were released on bond, the sheriff’s office said.