Teenager charged with death of teacher killed in prank gone wrong speaks out for first time
Jayden Ryan Wallace has issued a statement as he faces charges over the death of teacher Jason Hughes.
The 18-year-old is said to have accidentally ran over the 40-year-old with his pickup truck as a 'harmless' prank went wrong last week.
He and his four pals had headed to the maths teacher and coach's home in Gainesville, Georgia, to drape toilet paper across trees as they took part in the annual junior/senior prank war.
But when an apparently 'excited' Hughes ran out to 'catch them in the act', he tripped and fell into the road. As the incident took place, Jayden and friends tried to help the teacher, providing first aid until emergency responders arrived.
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However, Jason later died in hospital with the driver and others arrested and charged.
His wife, Laura, has said the family 'supports getting the charges dropped for all involved' but a legal expert has explained why this may not impact the case.
Jayden's family also echoed her claims that the students and teacher were close as they say he 'meant the world' to him.
"We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community," the teen's parents said in a statement.
"Jason Hughes meant the world to our son, Jayden. 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.'"
Jayden has also issued a statement as he said: "I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honours the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten."
Laura, who is also a teacher, spoke out to clarify that there was no 'confrontation' between Jason and the students as he knew they were coming and was 'excited and waiting' to catch them doing the prank.
"It had been raining and he accidentally slipped and fell into the road in front of the vehicle as they were driving away and was hit. The students immediately tried to provide aid until paramedics arrived," the Hughes family statement continued.
"Jason loved these students and they loved him too. Our family fully supports getting the charges dropped for all involved. 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. Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students."
Jess Battison