Driver Who Killed Main Line High School Principal Avoids Prison

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The man who caused the crash that killed Lower Merion High School Principal Sean Hughes learned his fate in a New Jersey court Thursday.

Azuka Ossai, 55, of Pine Hill, New Jersey, was sentenced to 90 days of house arrest and five years probation, according to Action News.

He was also ordered to pay fines and do 30 days of community service, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Ossai's sentencing was part of a plea agreement, in which he admitted to speeding through a stop sign before 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 at the intersection of Fleming Pike and Hay Road in Winslow Township, New Jersey, according to NBC10.

Hughes, 51, was taking his teenage son to a soccer tournament when their vehicle was struck by Ossai.

He later died at a New Jersey hospital.

His son, Nolan, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Hughes was principal at Lower Merion High School for 14 years and beloved by students, faculty, and staff.

The Lower Merion School District continues to honor his memory in various way, including a memorial and reiterating his catchphrase of "character counts."

"Mr. Hughes was beloved by thousands of students who passed through the halls of Lower Merion over the years," former LMSD Superintendent Khalid N. Mumin said in a statement following the fatal crash. "He knew most of them by name and always had time to listen to their concerns, cheer them on and support their accomplishments."

Hughes was greeted by students in the halls everywhere he went, and was known for encouraging student engagement and maintaining countless personal relationships.

In addition to serving as principal, Hughes was also the president of the Central Athletic League.

Hughes is survived by his children Nolan, Jack, and Kate, as well as his wife, Kristi.