HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Students at North Hall High School in northern Georgia returned to classes on Monday amid the lingering shock and sorrow following the tragic death of a cherished teacher during a senior prank that ended in tragedy.

Jason Hughes, aged 40, lost his life on Friday night when he confronted a group of students who were “rolling” his home with toilet paper. As the students attempted to flee in their vehicles, Hughes stumbled and fell into the street, where he was accidentally struck by a car.

The students immediately stopped to provide assistance, but Hughes succumbed to his injuries. The incident attracted national media attention over the weekend. On Monday, the Hall County School District released a heartfelt tribute, describing Hughes as a “loving husband” and “devoted father” who “served God faithfully.”

Superintendent Will Schofield expressed the district’s grief in a statement: “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 as he faithfully served God. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family.”

As the North Hall High School community grapples with the loss, the school district has ensured that crisis and grief support teams are available and will remain on hand for as long as necessary to help students and staff cope with the tragedy.

The five students who were involved in the prank have been charged, including the 18-year-old driver of the car that hit Hughes who has been charged with first degree vehicular homicide.

The New York Times on Sunday reported a statement by Hughes’ wife, Laura Hughes (also a teacher at North Hall High) that said Hughes was aware a prank was going on and was “excited and waiting to catch them” when the accident unfolded.

She said their family “supports getting the charges dropped for all involved,” The Times reported, and that “ruining the lives of these students… would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.”

11Alive’s Kaitlyn Ross additionally reported Sunday that those who knew Hughes said he lived by a motto of: “How can I serve you better?”

He was a math teacher and academic coach for the football team. He led Bible studies with his fellow coaches on Friday mornings.

Students said he made them feel seen and colleagues said he was the one who checked in, the one who listened, the one who asked how he could help.

The Christian mentorship organization NG3 said Hughes had been involved with their group for seven years as their director at North Hall High, and had been a “vital piece of helping grow this ministry beyond the boundaries of just his community.”

“He embodied the notion ‘Love God, love people.’ The way he invested in his family, his community, and the next generation has changed the trajectory of so many,” the organization said. “Jason, your heart for God and love for people was on display in everything you did. Your hard work and loving kindness impacted everyone you met, and we are forever grateful for the way you invested in people and God’s Kingdom. We know this isn’t goodbye forever and we look forward to the day we see you again when all things are made right.” 

Hughes is survived by his wife Laura and their two boys, Owen and Luke.