A teen is speaking out after a Georgia teacher was killed in a prank gone wrong. Authorities have charged the teen with fatally running over the educator.
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18-year-old Jayden Wallance is facing first-degree vehicular homicide. His math teacher, Jason Hughes, slipped outside his home, and Wallace fatally hit the teacher. The teen had been a part of a group pranking their teacher by rolling his house.
"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 on Tuesday. "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 is also facing a host of charges related to the death.
"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 also said.
Georgia Teacher Killed
Hughes was expecting the prank and waited outside to catch the teens. He had been excited by the prank, part of a traditional prank war between teachers and students. Unfortunately, the yard was wet from rain. Hughes slipped into the road and was struck by Wallace.
Although the five teens stopped to assist the Georgia teacher, he died from his injuries.
Hughes' wife, Laura, called for the charges to be dropped.
"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 also said.
Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh also said he would look into dropping the charges.
"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.
