GA Teacher Killed During School Prank; 5 Students Charged

GAINESVILLE, GA — Five students are facing charges after a prank gone awry killed a North Hall High School teacher who was hit by a pickup truck in Gainesville, authorities said Saturday.

The fatal crash happened around 11:45 p.m. Friday and killed Jason Hughes, 40, according to the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities say Jayden Ryan Wallace and four other people arrived at Hughes' North Gate Drive home to "roll" his trees with toilet paper. When Hughes came out of his home, authorities said the group got into two vehicles to leave.

As Wallace started driving the pickup truck on North Gate, authorities said Hughes tripped and fell into the road. That is when he was hit by the truck, authorities said.

The group stopped and tried to render aid until help arrived, authorities said.

Hall County Fire Rescue took Hughes to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where he died, authorities said.

Wallace was arrested on charges of first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering on private property.

ABC News reported he faces up to 15 years in jail.

The other four students were arrested on charges of criminal trespass and littering on private property, authorities said. They were identified as Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque and Ariana Cruz.

Authorities said all who were arrested are 18 years old and from Gainesville.

"The family wants to make really clear that they knew these kids, that they loved them, and the kids loved the Hughes," Matt Williams, Hughes' friend, told ABC News. "This was not a malicious act."

Hughes was aware the students would be coming to his home and was "excited" to catch them in the act, the family told ABC News. The family reportedly called the incident a "tragic accident" and said they support dismissing all charges.

"We are thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support as we grieve the loss of Jason. We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident, along with their families. Please join us in extending grace and mercy to them as Christ has done for us," the Hughes family said in a statement to ABC News.

Wife Laura Hughes told The New York Times charging the students would "counter" her husband's commitment to them.

“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students," she said. "This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”

According to North Hall's staff directory, Hughes was a math teacher for all grades at the high school. He was also the director of the school's NG3 program, which promotes positivity among students.

His NG3 profile, which appears to have been written by him, states he taught in Gwinnett County for a decade before relocating to Gainesville.

"I have the distinct honor of teaching alongside my wife, Laura. In fact, we even teach the same math subjects! Laura and I are immersing ourselves in the North Hall community in order to serve the athletic programs and beyond. Along with our two boys, Luke and Owen, we are excited to be a part of this community and eager to see God move here," read the profile.

NG3 released a statement via Facebook on Saturday. The organization stated Hughes, who was "one of the best," was with North Hall for seven years.

"(He had) been a vital piece of helping grow this ministry beyond the boundaries of just his community. He was an incredible man of faith, loving husband to Laura, amazing father to Luke and Owen, a passionate follower of Jesus, and had a true servants heart. He embodied the notion 'Love God, love people.' The way he invested in his family, his community, and the next generation has changed the trajectory of so many. Jason, your heart for God and love for people was on display in everything you did. Your hard work and loving kindness impacted everyone you met, and we are forever grateful for the way you invested in people and God’s Kingdom. We know this isn’t goodbye forever and we look forward to the day we see you again when all things are made right. We love you my friend. You fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept your faith. Well done," NG3 wrote.

North Hall on Saturday shared a GoFundMe established for Hughes and his family. According to the fundraiser, the funding will benefit immediate expenses and a college fund for his children.

"Jason’s life was a blessing to so many, and his untimely passing will be indescribably difficult for his wife and two young boys for years to come," organizer Krista May wrote. "Please use this opportunity to come alongside them in their time of immediate need and future planning for his children."

As of early Monday morning, the fundraiser had gathered more than $206,000 of its $75,000 goal.

Hall County School District Superintendent Will Schofield told NBC News the district was "heartbroken" and praying for Hughes' family.

The death of Hughes came the day after the Hall County School District warned about the behavior of its junior and senior students as the school's prom season approaches.

The message read in part:

"In previous years, some pranks during prom season–sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars– have gone too far, resulting in damage to property. We 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. It's essential to recognize the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behavior. Damaging 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. We cannot stress enough the importance of making responsible choices and thinking about the long-term impact of your actions."