Student In Crash That Killed GA Teacher Speaks Out: Reports

GAINESVILLE, GA — A student who faces charges in connection with a crash that killed a Georgia teacher during a prank is trying to ensure the teacher is not forgotten, according to WXIA-TV and CNN.

The 18-year-old student is speaking out amid a push from the teacher's family to drop the charges against the teen and all others suspected of being involved.

North Hall High School teacher Jason Hughes was killed Friday when five students arrived at his North Gate Drive home to teepee, or "roll," his trees with tissue as part of a school prank, the Hall County Sheriff's Office said.

When Hughes came out of the home, authorities said the students were leaving as Hughes fell and was hit by a pickup truck driven by student Jayden Wallace. Hughes died at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Wallace faces charges of first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering on private property, authorities said.

The other four people 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.

ABC News reported all students have since bonded out of jail, including Wallace.

"We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community. 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."

Wallace Family via WXIA-TV and CNN

In the report, Wallace said he plans to honor Hughes by living his life in a way that "exemplifying Christ. He will never be forgotten."

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.

“This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,” Hughes' family said in a statement provided to The Associated Press on Monday. “This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”

RELATED: GA Teacher Killed During School Prank; 5 Students Charged

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.

Additionally, Hughes helped coach golf, football and baseball at the school.

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.

One of Hughes' neighbors, Ty Talley, said the toilet paper prank was part of tradition in which North Hall students play practical jokes on teachers during prom season.

“It was nothing malicious,” Talley said. “It was just a prank that kids play on their teachers and each other. I did it as a kid.”

Students and Hughes' fellow teachers left a makeshift memorial of flowers along a section of fence outside the school.

Sean Pender, the school's football coach, said that Hughes helped players with their academics and was also a man of deep faith who led a weekly Bible study for other coaches.

“What made Jason so special was the way he did it,” Pender wrote in a social media post. “He never judged. He never forced anything on anyone. He simply loved people well. He met people where they were, lifted them up, and reminded them that they mattered.”

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.

As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had gathered more than $470,000 of its $75,000 goal.

Reportedly, Northeast Circuit District Attorney Lee Darragh has not yet determined if the case will be dropped. He told ABC News he aims to make a decision by Wallace's April 1 court date.

The Associated Press contributed reporting and writing for this article.