Teacher slipped on wet concrete as he 'excitedly' went to greet 5 prankster students before being run over... as brother says 'he would hate' kids being charged
By Emma Richter
Daily Mail
Mar 9, 2026
Jason Hughes, 40, died on Thursday after a group of students from North Hall High School draped rolls of toilet paper on his property. He tripped into the road and was hit by a car after he went outside to greet them
The math teacher who was killed by a student's car was excited to greet the five pranksters outside his home, but he slipped on wet concrete and fell into the street before being run over, according to a family member.
Jason Hughes, 40, died on Thursday after a group of students from North Hall High School, Georgia, draped rolls of toilet paper on his property as part of a 'prank war' that is known as a tradition in the community.
The father-of-two ran outside as it happened, but when the students frantically drove away, one of them, Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, struck and killed the beloved educator, police said.
On Monday, Jason's brother-in-law confirmed he was happy to see the teens, and there was no 'confrontation' between them, a statement shared by family friend Erick Erickson on X read.
'Jason knew the students were coming and he was excited and waiting to “catch them” in the act,' he said. '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.'
According to weather reports, it was dark and wet around the time of the incident.
Jason, who has been remembered as a cherished mentor in town, would not have wanted the students to face charges over the accident, Richard Hughes, his brother, told the Daily Mail.
'He would hate this for everyone involved,' Richard said, adding that his brother was an 'amazing' father, brother, son, husband and teacher.
'He was a servant till the day he died. He served his community and everyone around him,' he added.
His brother's comments come after Jason's wife, Laura Hughes, who also teaches math at the high school, asked for charges against all five teens to be dropped.
Along with Wallace, Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz, all 18 years old, were all arrested and charged in connection with the accident.
Wallace was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass, and littering on private property.
As of Sunday afternoon, Wallace was set free on a $11,080 bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for April 1, according to arrest records reviewed by the Daily Mail.
His four friends were also arrested and charged with criminal trespass and littering. They are no longer in custody, and it is unclear when they are due in court.
After hearing about the charges against the students, Laura said: 'This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,' the New York Times reported.
'This would be counter to Jason's lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children,' she added.
Ana Katherine Luque (left) and Ariana Cruz (right), both 18, were also arrested and charged
Elijah Tate Owens (left) Aiden Hucks (right) were two of the five pranksters. The 18-year-old's were also arrested and charged
She echoed other family members' sequence of events, stating that her husband did not run out to reprimand the group for the annual prank tradition, but he was only 'excited and waiting to catch them in the act.'
She added that the students and Hughes loved each other, and her family fully 'supports getting the charges dropped for all involved.'
His brother-in-law also mentioned that their 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,' he added.
Just hours before tragedy struck, the school district gave a grave warning to students to 'refrain from participating in activities that may cause harm or destruction'.
'Parents and students, as we approach the eagerly awaited spring prom season, we want to take a moment to address an important matter regarding the conduct of our junior and senior students,' the Hall County School District wrote on Facebook on Thursday around 1pm.
'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.
On Monday, Jason's brother-in-law confirmed he was happy to see the teens, and there was no 'confrontation' when he ran out of the home to greet them that rainy night
Jason, who has been remembered as a cherished mentor in town, would not have wanted the students to face criminal charges over the accident, his brother Richard Hughes told the Daily Mail
Images from previous pranking years posted on social media show the Hughes' home covered in toilet paper - decorating their barren tree and driveway
'It's essential to recognize the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behavior,' the district added.
It's understood that Hughes' home was a target - considering that the kids got two 'points' if they pranked the home of a teacher.
But if the students were 'caught' by a teacher while doing a prank, they would have points deducted.
This may possibly explain the quick getaway that the five kids were trying to make when Hughes was run over.
Images from previous pranking years posted on social media show the Hughes' home covered in toilet paper - decorating their barren tree and driveway.
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