The Christian family of an American teacher who was tragically killed in a school prank gone wrong, is calling for “grace and mercy” for the students involved in the heartbreaking accident.

Jason Hughes was a beloved maths teacher and coach at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia.

The 40-year-old died after trying to joyfully catch out five senior students who were wrapping toilet paper around trees at his home.

CBN News reports the prank is a school tradition and teachers trying to catch the perpetrators in the act is part of the fun.

WHAT WENT WRONG IN SCHOOL PRANK

The Hughes family said the devout Christian father and husband knew some of his students were coming to toilet-paper his house, and he was excited to try to catch them in the act.

But the joke turned into tragedy when he slipped in front of a pick-up truck which struck him as the students were pulling away.

The five 18-year-olds immediately stopped and tried to save Jason’s life before first responders arrived.

Sadly, their efforts were in vain as he died in hospital.

THE CHARGES THE STUDENTS ARE FACING

The driver faces a charge of first-degree vehicular homicide and criminal driving.

The other four students at the scene have been charged with trespassing.

Jason’s family is asking authorities to drop all charges, making it clear that the teacher loved his students and they loved him.

WIFE’S APPEAL FOR MERCY AND GRACE TO DROP CHARGES

His wife, Laura, who is also a teacher at North Hall High School, said in a statement:

We are thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support as we grieve the loss of Jason.

We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families

.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.”

“JASON GAVE SO MUCH AS HE FAITHFULLY SERVED GOD”

Students and staff at North Hall High School held a memorial service for Jason Hughes.

Will Schofield, the superintendent of Hall County Schools, said in a statement:

Our hearts are broken.

Jason 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.

A GoFundMe appeal has raised more than A$633,000 for Paula Hughes and her two school-age sons.

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