Jason Hughes's widow explains why the five students involved in her husband's death should not be criminally charged.
Jason Hughes' wife, Laura, has revealed new details about the teen prom prank that took her husband's life. On 6 March, Jason was allegedly hit by a pickup truck driven by Jayden Wallace, 18, while he was fleeing the scene of a high school prom prank.
Wallace and four others went to the Hughes' Gainesville residence on the night of the incident, intending to litter the trees on the property with toilet paper. The group then quickly sped off in two vehicles after seeing Jason making his way to the front yard.
Jason went after the vehicles but tripped on the road, allegedly in front of Wallace's speeding truck. Jason later died from his injuries at the hospital.
Victim's Widow Tells Their Side of the Story
In a statement to The New York Times, Laura said her husband didn't intend to confront the students for the prank. Jason 'was excited and waiting to catch them in the act,' she clarified. That sheds some light on the events before the incident. The prank was part of an annual school tradition, and Jason apparently embraced that.
Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, a felony, reckless driving and a misdemeanour. He's facing up to 15 years in jail if convicted.
Four other teens, Elijah Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Luque and Ariana Cruz, all 18, were charged with littering and criminal trespassing misdemeanours.
John Hughes' Family Appeals for Leniency
Laura Hughes said their family 'supports getting the charges dropped for all involved' because of the long-term impact, particularly on the five teens who pulled the prank.
'This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,' she stated. 'This would be counter to Jason's lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.'
Teen's Family Grieves in the Aftermath
Wallace remembered Jason as a role model, according to a released statement from the family's attorney. 'I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honours the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ,' he said. 'He will never be forgotten.'
Wallace's parents also expressed 'deep remorse' over Jason's death. 'We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community,' they stated.
'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.'
Hall County District Attorney Lee Darraugh is overseeing the case. He has yet to meet the Hughes family to discuss the charges, but he told People that their 'wishes in this case will be given great deference and consideration.'
A GoFundMe campaign has raised £365,105 ($489,000) for the Hughes family. Part of that amount will be used to start a college fund for Jason and Laura's two sons.
