The family of a Georgia math teacher who died after a prank went wrong has launched a fundraising campaign to support his children’s future education. Jason Hughes was k!lled in an incident authorities described as a tragic accident involving students in Gainesville.
Following his de@th, Hughes’ wife, Krista May, created a campaign on GoFundMe with an initial goal of $75,000 to help cover immediate expenses and establish a future college fund for the couple’s two sons.
The fundraiser has received a large response from donors across the United States, raising more than $483,000 so far. In the campaign message, the family described Hughes as someone who had positively impacted many people and said his sudden death would be extremely difficult for his wife and young children.
“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,” the statement said, encouraging supporters to assist the family during their time of need.
Authorities from the Hall County Sheriff’s Office said Hughes died after being struck by a truck driven by an 18-year-old student during what investigators described as a prank that went wrong. Police said Hughes had been outside his home waiting to confront students who were allegedly attempting to toilet-paper the property.
Investigators said the situation escalated when Hughes chased the group and slipped on the road after rainfall. According to police, the vehicle driven by Jayden Wallace struck Hughes while Wallace was attempting to leave the area in a pickup truck.
Wallace was arrested and taken to the Hall County Jail before later being released on a $1,950 bond. He is currently facing a charge of first-degree vehicular homicide, according to authorities.
