Poppy Bilderbeck
The family of a Georgia teacher who died after a prank played by students went tragically wrong has spoken out in support of the five teenagers involved.
On 5 March, a group of five teenagers turned up at the house of North Hall High School math teacher and coach, Jason Hughes.
The group covered the 40-year-old's Gainesville front lawn in toilet paper as part of a reported 'Junior vs Senior' prank war that takes place every year.
However, when Hughes stepped out of his property, it's reported he tripped and fell into the road as the teenagers tried to speed away in their cars, one vehicle hitting him.
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Some of the teens immediately leapt out and administered first aid to the teacher until emergency services arrived.
Shortly after being transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Hughes died from his injuries.
The students now face a plethora of charges, however, Hughes' family has since spoken out against the teenagers' lives being 'ruined'.
Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, who was behind the wheel of the car which hit the teacher, has since been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving.
All five teenagers have been charged with criminal trespass and littering on private property.
In a statement shared with ABC News, Hughes' family acknowledged the 'outpouring of prayers and support' they've received as they grieve Jason.
However, they also implored people to 'continue to pray [...] for the students involved in the accident along with their families'.
The statement continued: "Please join us in extending grace and mercy to them as Christ has done for us. This is a terrible tragedy, and 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 of investing in the lives of these children."
It follows Hughes' wife Laura speaking out to The New York Times stating the family fully supporting 'getting the charges dropped for all involved'.
Hughes' death took place just hours after the Hall County School District issued a warning against the 'prank war'.
Part of the statement read: "In previous years, some pranks during prom season–sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars– have gone too far, resulting in damage to property.
"We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property. Such actions not only reflect poorly on the individual involved but also tarnish the reputation of our schools, families, and community."
However, a friend of Hughes, Matt Williams, echoed the sentiments of the teachers' family, sticking up further for the teenagers involved.
Williams stressed: "The family wants to make really clear that they knew these kids, that they loved them and these kids loved the Hugheses. This was not a malicious act."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.