Why Family of Teacher Killed In Student Prank Wants Charges Dropped

The wife of a Georgia teacher killed in a prank gone horribly wrong is now asking for "mercy" on the teenagers who organized it, supporting charges being dropped for "all involved."

On Friday night in Gainesville, Ga, five teenagers drove to the home of local teacher Jason Hughes, 40, for a toilet paper prank. Per CBS News, citing the Hall County Sheriff's Office, Hughes exited the home as the teens got into two vehicles, after TP-ing the property. He then slipped and fell into the road—which was slick from the rain—where he was allegedly struck by one of the vehicles.

Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was named as the driver of the truck involved. He and the other teens allegedly stayed at the scene and administered first aid until help arrived; the teacher was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Wallace was later charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving. He and the other four teens involved were also charged with criminal trespass and littering. All five have since been released on bond.

Victim's Family Wants Charges Dropped

Hughes' family, however, hopes the charges are thrown out.

"We are thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support as we grieve the loss of Jason," Hughes' wife and other family members said in a statement provided to the New York Timesand Fox 5 Atlanta. Hughes, they added, knew of the prank beforehand and "was excited and waiting to catch them in the act," before his fall.

"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 statement continued, adding that they support "getting the charges dropped for all involved."

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

The Hall County School District remembered Hughes as a "passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues." He's survived by his wife and two sons; a GoFundMe has been setup in their honor.