Beloved Vail teacher who was released from rehabilitation months after brutal crash

Tucson, ariz. (13 messages) – A beloved Vail music teacher was released from a rehabilitation facility on Friday.

His release takes place months after he suffered serious injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident caused by a suspected drunk driver.

After three months in the hospital and 2 1/2 months in rehab, Rincon Vista Middle Band and Orchestra teacher Jared Hughes said that he was thrilled to go home.

“The support of my family, my friends and the Greater Vail community made it really possible,” said Hughes.

It was a heart -warming celebration when the students and employees of the Vail Unified School District surprised him before he was released and celebrated the progress he made.

Hughes suffered a brain injury, a spinal cord injury and several fractures after he was hit by a suspected drunk driver in November 2024.

After staying in the hospital, he went Include the health rehabilitation institute of Tucson. There he learned to go again.

“The street was long and discouraging, but Jared, both in a figurative and literally one foot in front of the other to take his steps to recovery,” said Dr. Jeet Bhaidasna with health.

Some of the former band students from Hughes, who are now at Mica Mountain High, were there on Friday to celebrate him during his release.

“It was really good to see them and they knew and they supported me,” said Hughes.

The former student Sam Isom said she wasn't the musician she is today without Mr. Hughes.

“When I heard what had happened, I was extremely upset and I'm really so happy that he can make this recovery and teach children again and help children grow,” said Isom.

And now Hughes will do exactly that, with the entire community.

“Jared's story is an inspiration for all of us what we can achieve when we prepare for it,” said Dr. Bhaidasna.

According to the Tucson police department, the driver, Hughes, the 59-year-old Gilberto Orozco, was charged for serious assault and DUI.

Make sure you subscribe to the 13 -News -Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold

Copyright 2025 13 News. All rights reserved.