Teacher Killed In High School Prank — Why His Family Doesn’t Want Students Charged

The family of a beloved teacher killed during a high school prank gone wrong is speaking out, saying they want to see charges against the teens dropped following the tragic accident.

Jason Hughes, 40, was a math teacher at North Hall High School in Georgia. He died last Friday night after accidentally being run over by a teen driver who was there with other students putting toilet paper in his trees. Hughes slipped near the car and was then accidentally hit by the vehicle, according to NBC News. 

The teen driver was accompanied by four other students in two separate cars. The teens immediately stopped and tried to administer first aid, but Hughes, who is a father of two, succumbed to his injuries.

The family told The New York Times in a statement that they don’t wish to ruin the students’ lives for what amounts to a tragic mistake. 

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

Hughes’ family told ABC News that he knew about the prank and was excited about it, which is why he went outside to see the teens. 

“The family wants to make clear that they knew these kids and they loved them and these kids loved the Hugheses. This was not a malicious act,” they told the outlet in a statement. 

“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 18-year-old driver was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass, and littering, NBC reported. The other four teens involved were each charged with criminal trespass and littering.

District Attorney Lee Darragh said of dropping the charges, “It is much too early in this process. I’ll not be commenting until the closure of the case.”

A GoFundMe for the Hughes family has raised over $400,000 as of Tuesday morning. 

“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. Please use this opportunity to come alongside them in their time of immediate need and future planning for his children,” the description said.