An 18-year-old Georgia high school student charged in connection with the death of a teacher during a prank incident has issued a statement expressing remorse as authorities continue reviewing the case, as reported by The New York Post.

Jayden Wallace, a student at North Hall County High School, faces multiple charges, including first-degree vehicular homicide, after math teacher Jason Hughes, 40, was fatally struck outside his home in Gainesville, Georgia, on March 6.

Authorities say the incident occurred during what students described as an ongoing prank tradition involving toilet papering homes.

Teachers’ houses were reportedly popular targets during the activity, which students referred to as “rolling” homes with toilet paper.

NEW: Family of teacher killed in prank gone wrong wants charges against the teens dropped because he loved them and was excited to join the prank

Five teenagers were arrested after teacher Jason Hughes, 40, was run over when he slipped outside his Gainesville, Georgia, home… pic.twitter.com/xU37y6nuMp — Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) March 9, 2026

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According to reports, Hughes had been waiting outside his home to catch Wallace and other students who were attempting the prank.

The house was reportedly considered a clear target in the prank activity because both Hughes and his wife worked at North Hall County High School.

Under the rules used in the prank tradition the previous year, teachers’ homes were said to be worth two points.

After Hughes confronted the group, he ran after the teenagers. Investigators say rainy weather conditions caused him to slip and fall into the roadway.

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As Wallace attempted to drive away in his pickup truck, Hughes was run over, according to reports.

The students who were present attempted to help Hughes immediately after the incident. Authorities say the five teenagers administered first aid while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

Hughes was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

Wallace was later arrested and charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, as well as criminal trespassing, reckless driving, and littering. He was booked into the Hall County Jail and later released on a $1,950 bond.

A Georgia teacher had his life ended by his own students when a silly teenage prank turned deadly. Now, several teens are facing charges.

40-year-old Jason Hughes lost his life on the evening of Friday, March 6th, outside of his Gainesville, Georgia home. This tragic event… pic.twitter.com/EqjknT40W5 — ❤ Ames ❤ (@Real_Ames) March 8, 2026

In a statement released through his family, Wallace expressed remorse over Hughes’ death.

“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 the statement.

“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 addressed the situation personally in the statement.

“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,” Wallace said.

Four other students who were present during the incident were also arrested.

Authorities identified them as 18-year-olds Elijiah Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz. They were arrested outside Hughes’ home and charged with criminal trespassing and littering.

The tragedy came hours after school officials had reportedly asked students to end the prank tradition, citing concerns that the activity had gone too far in previous years.

Hughes’ wife, Laura Hughes, has publicly called for the charges against the teenagers 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 to investing in the lives of these children,” Laura Hughes said.

Hall County District Attorney Lee Darragh said his office would review the charges and consider the family’s request.

“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.

The family of Jason Hughes is calling for mercy after the beloved teacher was k*lled in a freak accident during a student prank.

Despite Jayden Wallace facing a felony vehicular homicide charge, Hughes’ wife, Laura, is pleading for the cases to be dismissed. She says Jason… pic.twitter.com/8gMu8DcsHF — The Kind Joe (@TheKindJoe) March 9, 2026

Jason Hughes is survived by his wife and their two young sons.

Following the tragedy, members of the community have rallied to support Hughes’ family. A GoFundMe fundraiser created to help with future college expenses for his sons has raised more than $454,000.

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