Five people, including Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, covered or “rolled” the teacher\u2019s trees with toilet paper, according to WXIA. When Hughes came out of his home, the group got into two different vehicles to flee the scene, the outlet reported, citing police.<\/p>\n
One of the vehicles was Wallace\u2019s pickup truck, with which he ran over Hughes after the teacher tripped and fell into the road, per WXIA and WSB-TV.<\/p>\n
Wallace and others involved in the prank stopped and attempted to aid Hughes until emergency responders arrived at the scene, according to the outlets. He later died at the hospital.<\/p>\n
![\"Jason](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/97a84dd993d6980970e8b10c3c2c3d68.jpeg\"\/)
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Jason Hughes
Credit: gofundme<\/p>\n
Police arrested Wallace at the scene, along with the four others, whom WSB-TV identified as: Elijah Tate Owens, 18, Aiden Hucks, 18, Ana Katherine Luque, 18, and Ariana Cruz, 18. They are all Gainesville residents, per WXIA, as was Hughes.<\/p>\n
Wallace has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving in connection with Hughes\u2019 death, according to WSB-TV and WXIA. He, along with the four others at the scene, has also been charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property, per the outlets.<\/p>\n
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE\u2019s request for comment on Sunday, March 8.<\/p>\n
Hughes was a teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Ga. and a father of two young boys, according to a GoFundMe<\/a> fundraiser. In a statement obtained by WXIA, a Hall County School District spokesperson described him as a “loving husband” and “devoted father.”<\/p>\n “Our hearts are broken,\u201d the district\u2019s statement reads. \u201cJason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father, a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues. He gave so much to so many in numerous ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family. We ask that the media and the public respect their privacy as they grieve this incredible loss.”<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a> to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.<\/p>\n A Hall County Sheriff’s Department vehicle Just days before the fatal March 6 incident, the district warned students about prom pranks included in what it dubbed \u201cJunior\/Senior Wars,\u201d stating that some in years past \u201chave gone too far\u201d in a statement addressed to parents and students on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile we understand that prom is a time for celebration and creating lasting memories, we must emphasize the importance of responsible behavior and respect for others and their property,\u201d the Hall County School District said in part. \u201cIn previous years, some pranks during prom season\u2013sometimes referred to as Junior\/Senior Wars\u2013 have gone too far, resulting in damage to property.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property. Such actions not only reflect poorly on the individual involved but also tarnish the reputation of our schools, families, and community,\u201d the district continued. \u201cIt’s essential to recognize the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n The school district went on to warn that \u201cdamaging property can lead to criminal charges, not to mention the potential repercussions on your participation in graduation ceremonies and other special events planned for this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe cannot stress enough the importance of making responsible choices and thinking about the long-term impact of your actions,\u201d the district warned.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/5f2876264e2d59e7d3fbf58d3a1b89d9.jpeg\"\/)
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Credit: Hall County Sheriff’s Department\/Facebook<\/p>\n