A Georgia community is grieving the loss of a beloved teacher and coach who is being remembered not only for his dedication to students but also for his deep Christian faith.

Jason Hughes, a math teacher and golf coach at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia, died after he was accidentally run over by one of his students during a late-night prank tradition known locally as “junior-senior wars.”

Hughes, 40, had been participating in the lighthearted tradition when the tragedy occurred at his home. The annual game often involves students attempting to toilet-paper houses — an activity known in the community as “Rolling Trees.”

Sheyden Maynor, a North Hall High School graduate who knew Hughes, said the teacher actually enjoyed the yearly tradition and looked forward to it.

“Coach Hughes always got excited about this time of year,” Maynor told US Weekly. “He thought it was fun.”

According to reports, students would earn points for toilet-papering homes — one point for another student’s house, two points for a teacher’s home, and three points for an administrator’s home.

However, school officials had warned students about the risks associated with the tradition shortly before the incident occurred.

“In previous years, some pranks during prom season — sometimes referred to as Junior/Senior Wars — have gone too far, resulting in damage to property,” the Hall County School District said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“We urge all students to refrain from participating in any activities that may cause harm or destruction to school or personal property,” the district added, warning that such behavior could result in criminal charges and consequences for graduation events.

According to The New York Times, the tragic accident happened around 11:40 p.m. on March 6th when Hughes slipped and fell while trying to catch a group of students who had come to prank his home.

His wife, Laura Hughes, later clarified what happened in a statement shared by 11Alive.

“There was no ‘confrontation.’ Jason knew the students were coming and he was excited and waiting to ‘catch them’ in the act,” she said. “It had been raining and he accidentally slipped and fell into the road in front of the vehicle as they were driving away and was hit.”

Police say the students immediately stopped and attempted to provide first aid until paramedics arrived. Hughes was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

One student, Jayden Ryan Wallace, has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering. Four other students face misdemeanor charges.

But Hughes’ widow is asking authorities and the community to extend grace.

“The students immediately tried to provide aid until paramedics arrived. Jason loved these students and they loved him too,” Laura Hughes said in her statement. “Our family fully supports 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.”

She added that pursuing harsh penalties would run counter to her husband’s lifelong mission.

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

The student involved in the accident has expressed deep remorse. In a statement released through his family’s attorney, Wallace said Hughes had been an important mentor in his life.

“Jason Hughes meant the world to our son, Jayden. He took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact,” his parents said.

Wallace himself also shared a promise to honor his teacher’s legacy.

“I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ,” he said. “He will never be forgotten.”

Leaders in the faith community say Hughes’ impact on young people was profound.

Aaron Mann, metro director of the Northeast Georgia Fellowship of Christian Athletes, described Hughes as someone who openly shared his faith with students.

“Jason was someone who understood what it meant to be a witness for Christ and someone who understood what it meant to speak the truth of Christ,” Mann said. “He was a great man of God.”

“He gave Jesus to so many teenagers and so many in the next generation. He understood that the Gospel was not something to be kept but something to give away.”

As the community continues to mourn, many are rallying around Hughes’ family. A GoFundMe campaign established to support them has raised more than $480,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

For many who knew him, Hughes leaves behind not only grieving loved ones but a powerful legacy of faith, mentorship, and grace.