A Georgia community is grieving after a 40-year-old teacher died following a student prank that reportedly escalated into a tragedy.
Students and residents have reacted with shock after learning that Jason Hughes, 40, died on the night of March 6 amid what authorities say began as a prank.
Hughes worked as a math teacher and golf coach at North Hall High School in Hall County, Georgia. Police say five students from the school were involved in the incident.
The death came just days after the local school district had cautioned students about prom-season pranks that had previously gone “too far.”
Investigators allege Hughes was run over outside his home in Gainesville, Georgia, as an 18-year-old student drove away while trying to leave the area.
Police say the group went to the home intending to throw toilet paper across the property. When Hughes came outside, the five individuals allegedly tried to escape in two separate vehicles.
One of the students, identified as Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving a pickup truck carrying other students when Hughes reportedly tripped, fell into the road, and was struck.
Authorities say Wallace and the others stopped afterward and attempted to help Hughes until emergency personnel arrived. Hughes was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
According to a report by PEOPLE, Wallace was arrested at the scene along with four other students, named as Elijah Tate Owens, 18, Aiden Hucks, 18, Ana Katherine Luque, 18, and Ariana Cruz, 18.
Wallace has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving in connection with Hughes’ death. The other four students have been charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property.
As tributes continued to pour in, the district released a statement mourning Hughes’ death.
The statement read: “Our hearts are broken. Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father, a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues.
“He gave so much to so many in numerous ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family. We ask that the media and the public respect their privacy as they grieve this incredible loss.”
A GoFundMe has also been organized for Hughes’ family to help with near-term costs and to contribute toward a future college fund for his two sons.
As of the latest update, $191,303 has been donated, surpassing the original $75,000 target.