The wife of a Georgia math teacher who was killed in a prank-gone-wrong by his students has asked for charges against all five teenagers to be dropped.

Jason Hughes, 40, slipped in the rain outside of his Gainesville home as he tried to surprise his students while they threw toilet roll across his garden as a practical joke.

However, as the students attempted to flee the scene to their vehicles, Hughes fell into the street and was struck by one group in their car.

Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was behind the wheel of his pickup truck when tragedy struck. He is accused of having run the father-of-two over and killing him.

But in a shock moment, Laura Hughes, the teacher’s wife and fellow educator at North Hall High School, released a statement asking that all charges be dropped.

‘This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students,’ she told the New York Times. 

‘This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children.’

Laura Hughes said that her husband did not run out to reprimand the group for the annual prank tradition, but he was only ‘excited and waiting to catch them in the act.’

Jason Hughes, 40, was fatally run over during a student prank at his Georgia home on Thursday night and his wife, Laura Hughes seen right, has asked for all charges to be dropped 

As of Sunday afternoon, Wallace was set free on a $11,080 bail. His first court appearance is scheduled for April 1, according to arrest records reviewed by the Daily Mail

It’s understood that Hughes’ home (pictured in 2023) was the target of the practical joke 

She added that the students and Hughes loved each other, and her family fully ‘supports getting the charges dropped for all involved.’

Wallace was joined by four friends at around 11.40pm at the Thursday night prank.

Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque, and Ariana Cruz, all 18 years old, were all arrested and charged in connection with the accident.

The school district gave a grave warning to students to ‘refrain from participating in activities that may cause harm or destruction’ in the wake of Hughes’ death.

‘Parents and students, as we approach the eagerly awaited spring prom season, we want to take a moment to address an important matter regarding the conduct of our junior and senior students,’ the Hall County School District wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

‘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.

‘It’s essential to recognize the serious consequences that can arise from engaging in destructive behavior.

‘Damaging property can lead to criminal charges, not to mention the potential repercussions on your participation in graduation ceremonies and other special events planned for this time of year.

‘We cannot stress enough the importance of making responsible choices and thinking about the long-term impact of your actions.’

The district ended the message by urging students to listen to the advice so they can enjoy ‘a time of celebration, camaraderie, and positive memories for everyone involved.’

Ariana Cruz (pictured), 18, was also arrested and charged in connection with the accident

Aiden Hucks, 18, has also been arrested in connection with the incident. He is on bail 

Ana Katherine Luque, 18, was also charged in connection with the tragic incident 

Elijah Tate Owens, 18, is the fifth teenager arrested in connection with the teacher’s death 

It’s understood that Hughes’ home was a target – considering that the kids got two ‘points’ if they pranked the home of a teacher.

But if the students were ‘caught’ by a teacher while doing a prank, they would have points deducted.

This may possibly explain the quick getaway that the five kids were trying to make when Hughes was run over.

Images from previous pranking years posted on social media show the Hughes’ home covered in toilet paper – decorating their barren tree and driveway.

The community has been left in mourning following the beloved teacher’s sudden death.

After he was struck by Wallace’s car, the teen and two others stopped and tried to render aid to Hughes under first responders arrived.

The father-of-two was then rushed to the hospital, where he later died.

Wallace was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass, and littering on private property.

As of Sunday afternoon, Wallace – who often posted about his devout religious beliefs and Bible verses on social media – was freed on $11,080 bail.

Just hours before his death, the Hall County School District warned parents and students of the possible dangers associated with the annual ‘Junior/Senior Wars’ 

Hughes has been remembered as a loving father to his two sons and a cherished husband to his wife Laura (pictured together)

Jason Hughes is pictured with his wife and children

His first court appearance is scheduled for April 1, according to arrest records reviewed by the Daily Mail.

His four friends were also arrested and charged with criminal trespass and littering. They are no longer in custody, and it is unclear when they are due in court.

According to their social media accounts, the group of students all appear to be seniors at North Hall, ‘the premier school in Northeast Georgia,’ according to the school’s website.

Hughes has been remembered as a loving father to his two sons and a cherished husband to his wife Laura.

He has also been described as a great teacher and mentor to students he has taught over the years.

Will Schofield, the superintendent of the Hall County School District, said in a statement to the Times that 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.’

Will Schofield, superintendent of the Hall County School District said in a statement that Hughes was a ‘loving husband, a devoted father; a passionate teacher, mentor and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues’

‘Jason Hughes was as solid a man, leader, father, friend, mentor as one could expect to meet on our short time on this Earth,’ one friend posted on Facebook after his death

‘If I ever had problems, I could always run and call to him, like if I have the financial questions, or if I just had some personal issues going on,’ Shayden Maynor, one of Hughes’ former students, told 11 Alive.

Maynor, who graduated in 2002 and kept in touch with Hughes over the years, attended a memorial for the late educator on Saturday at North Hall High School.

‘We grieved together, we laughed, we made jokes, and it was just really bad for the community that we had lost somebody so special like that,’ he recalled.

Olivia Williams, a sophomore at the school, said Hughes was always looking out for his students.

‘He always tried to make conversations with students, and he always just tried to be the most supportive he could,’ Williams told Atlanta News First.

‘He would show up to events that he didn’t even know anything about just to be supportive, and that’s going to be a really big thing that’s going to be missed.’

Williams said Hughes’ wife also works at North Hall as a geometry teacher.

‘I really just want her to know that there’s so many people that love and care about them, and they’re not alone in this and that if they ever need a should,’ she said.

Shayden Maynor, one of Hughes’ former students, said he was an amazing mentor who he kept in touch with over the years

He shares two young sons with his wife, who also teaches at the school 

The beloved teacher was remembered by students and staff. He is pictured with his wife

A growing memorial has since been erected outside of the school as students, colleagues and community members left flowers in his honor.

A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help raise funds to support Hughes’ family. As of Sunday afternoon, more than $131,00 had been raised.

The Daily Mail contacted the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and North Hall High School for comment.