The high school senior accused of fatally running over his teacher during a late-night prank in Georgia is expressing remorse as the community continues to grapple with the tragedy.
According to the New York Post, Jayden Wallace, an 18-year-old student at North Hall High School, faces several charges — including first-degree vehicular homicide — after math teacher Jason Hughes died following the March 6 incident outside his home in Gainesville, Georgia.
In a statement released by his family, Wallace apologized to Hughes’ loved ones and acknowledged the devastating loss felt across the school community.
“We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community. Jason Hughes meant the world to our son, Jayden,” Wallace’s family said in a statement, according to 11Alive.
“He took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact. Along with the rest of our family, Jay expresses his deepest sorrow and sincerest apology to the Hughes family.”
Wallace also spoke personally about the loss of the educator who had influenced his life.
“I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten,” the teen said in the statement.
Authorities say Hughes, 40, had been waiting outside his home when Wallace and several other students arrived to carry out a prank involving toilet papering the property.
The activity was part of a long-running “prank war” tradition at the school. Under the rules used in previous years, targeting a teacher’s home was worth two points, and Hughes’ house was considered a prime target since both he and his wife worked at North Hall High School.
According to reports, Hughes chased after the students once he caught them in the act.
During the pursuit, rainy conditions caused him to slip and fall into the roadway.
As Wallace attempted to drive his pickup truck away from the scene, Hughes was run over.
The five teens present tried to help the injured teacher and performed first aid while waiting for emergency responders.
Hughes was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
His wife, Laura Hughes, has publicly urged authorities not to pursue charges against the students.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students. This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children,” she said.
Wallace was arrested and booked into the Hall County Jail but has since been released on a $1,950 bond.
Four other students — Elijah Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz — were also arrested outside Hughes’ home. They face misdemeanor charges of criminal trespassing and littering.
Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh said his office will review the case, noting he was not consulted before the charges were filed.
“I have talked with the family on the phone, and will meet them in person soon. Their request to drop the charges will be given great deference. I was not consulted by law enforcement before these charges were leveled. I will be reviewing the evidence as I should and will be deciding soon,” Darragh told WSB-TV.
Hughes is survived by his wife and the couple’s two young sons.
In the wake of the tragedy, members of the community have rallied around the family. A GoFundMe campaign created to support the boys’ future education has raised more than $450,000.
