Teenagers face vehicular homicide charges after a fatal crash that involved their high school math teacher, Jason Hughes.  

   Hughes taught math and coached golf at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia. His wife, Laura Hughes, is also a teacher.

   On the night of March 6, a group of teenagers in Gainesville drove to their teacher’s home with a plan to toilet-paper his house. This prank was a tradition for prom season, so Hughes knew about the prank and wanted to surprise his students when they came to his house.

   “He was excited and waiting to catch them in the act,” Laura Hughes said, according to The New York Times.

   The weather was rainy when Hughes left his house, and he slipped on the driveway and fell into the road as the students began to drive away. Hughes was struck by a pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Jayden Wallace.

   The five students attempted to perform first aid until emergency responders arrived, and Hughes was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:40 PM.

   Wallace faces up to fifteen years in prison for vehicular homicide. The other four were charged with criminal trespassing and littering. The case will be handled by District Attorney Lee Darragh, who prosecutes felony crimes in Hall County.

   The day before Hughes’ death, the Hall County School District sent out a warning on Facebook about prom-season pranks. 

   “In previous years, some pranks during prom season — sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars — have gone too far, resulting in damage to property,” Hall County School District said, according to CBS News. “We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property.” 

   Hughes was honored by a makeshift memorial that formed outside North Hall High School, created by students and community members with bouquets placed along a fence in the parking lot. A GoFundMe, which has already raised over $280,000, was also set up for Hughes’ family. 

   Laura Hughes thanks the public for their support as she and her family grieve. She even forgives the students and doesn’t want them punished.

   “My family and I will be seeing charges dropped for all involved,” Laura Hughes said, according to NBC News. “Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students. This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of these children.” 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-jason-hughes-support-his-family-4zzkn