The Georgia teenager who has been charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree after he allegedly ran over and killed his teacher in a prank gone wrong is speaking out for the first time since his arrest Friday night.
“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 18-year-old accused of running over his teacher said in a statement, according to ABC News.
On Friday, five high school students went to their teacher Jason Hughes’ home to carry out the prank of throwing toilet paper in his yard. Hughes, a 40-year-old teacher at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia, reportedly went outside to catch them in the act and playfully confront them. While he was heading toward the students, he tripped and fell just as the group of students were running away and getting in two separate cars. One of the students then allegedly ran over the teacher with his pickup truck. The teenagers stopped and administrated aid and called the medics, but Hughes was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The 18-year-old driving the car was arrested and charged with homicide by vehicle in the first degree and reckless driving, and the other four students were charged with criminal trespassing and littering on private property. They were all released on bond.
The teen’s family said in a statement that they are in “deep remorse” over the prank gone wrong.
“We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community,” the family said in a statement, according 11Alive. “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.”
Hughes’ wife told The New York Times that she wants the charges dismissed.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” Laura Hughes said. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”
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