North Hall High School teacher killed in incident outside home; former student charged

Students and community members are mourning the loss of a beloved North Hall High School teacher and golf coach.

(CNN)- Students and community members are mourning the loss of a beloved North Hall High School teacher and golf coach following a tragic incident outside his home.

A growing memorial now sits outside North Hall High School honoring Jason Hughes, a math teacher known by students as a positive and supportive presence on campus.

Sophomore Olivia Williams visited the memorial to pay her respects, saying Hughes had a strong impact on the community.

“I think he was connected through a lot of people and I think it has taken a toll on a lot of the community because he was very very big in the community,” Williams said. “He was very social with people and always at events and he was always just cheering people on.”

According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began Friday night when a group of 18-year-olds allegedly toilet-papered trees outside Hughes’ home.

Deputies say Hughes tripped and fell into the roadway as the teens were driving away and was struck by a vehicle. Authorities say the teens attempted to help Hughes before first responders arrived.

Eighteen-year-old Jayden Wallace has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving in connection with the incident.

Former student Shayden Maynor said he was shocked when he learned about Hughes’ death.

“I was honestly in disbelief. I was like there’s just no way,” Maynor said.

Maynor graduated several years ago but said he continued to stay in touch with Hughes, who remained someone he could turn to for advice and support.

“If I ever had any problems I could always run and call to him — like financial questions or if I just had some personal issues,” Maynor said. “He was always the man I could call and he would always be there for anybody.”

Students, staff, and alumni gathered Saturday inside North Hall High School to remember Hughes and support one another.

“We grieved together, we laughed, we made jokes, and it was just really bad for the community that we lost somebody so special like that,” Maynor said.

Authorities say four other 18-year-olds who were with Wallace were also arrested. They are facing charges of criminal trespassing and littering on private property.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing.