Wife of math teacher who died in toilet paper prank gone wrong wants charges dropped

ATLANTA (TCN) -- A math teacher has died after being run over by a pickup truck in what authorities are calling a prank gone wrong.

According to Atlanta News First, a group of teens allegedly went to the home of 40-year-old Jason Hughes at around 11:45 p.m. on March 6 to prank him by throwing toilet paper on his trees. When he came outside to catch them, they allegedly got into their vehicles and began to drive away. Hughes tripped and fell and was run over by one of the departing vehicles. 

The driver and two others from the group provided first aid until paramedics arrived to transport Hughes to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the New York Post.

Jayden Ryan Wallace, Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz, all 18, were each charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property, according to Atlanta News First. In addition, Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving.

A statement from Hall County Schools, his employer, described Hughes as “a loving husband, a devoted father; a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues,” Atlanta News First reports.

Hughes’ wife, Laura Hughes, released a statement that said she supports dropping the charges against the group. According to Atlanta News First, she said Hughes was excited and waiting to catch them in the act, and that her family “is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students.”

In a Facebook post made just days before Hughes’ death, the Hall County School District said, “In previous years, some pranks during prom season — sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars — have gone too far, resulting in damage to property. We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property. Such actions not only reflect poorly on the individual involved but also tarnish the reputation of our schools, families, and community.”

According to rules for the Junior/Senior Wars set the previous year, homes of teachers were worth 2 points — and Hughes’ wife was also a math teacher, the New York Post reports.

Wallace’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 1, according to Atlanta News First. If convicted, he could spend three to 15 years in prison.

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