East Hall HS teacher, coach killed in motorcycle crash; driver charged
East Hall High School teacher and coach Victor Vegas was killed in a motorcycle crash on Tuesday morning. (East Hall High School Athletics)
HALL COUNTY, Ga. - The Hall County School System is mourning the loss of a beloved coach and teacher after a deadly motorcycle crash.
Victor Vega, 54, was killed around 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday after the crash on Old Cornelia Highway at Jesse Jewell Parkway.
What we know:
According to the Georgia State Patrol, Vega was riding his motorcycle on the parkway when the driver of an SUV failed to yield while turning left.
Officials say Vega was flung off his motorcycle in the collision into the path of the SUV.
Medics rushed Vega to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, but he was not able to survive his injuries.
According to Georgia State Patrol, driver Maria Escobedo has been charged with 2nd degree vehicular homicide and failure to yield while turning left. She was booked into the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
Maria Escobedo. Photo courtesy of Hall County Sheriff's Office
Dig deeper:
According to his biography on the East Hall High School website, Vega taught courses in Business & Technology and Business Communications.
Before becoming a teacher, Vega served in the United States Air Force. His service took him around the world to countries like Italy, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
A former college baseball player, Vega coached the school's baseball and softball teams. His love of baseball led to working with the Atlanta Braves with a focus on youth player development as well.
Vega also was the advisor for the Future Business Leaders of America chapter of East Hall High School, mentoring students on business skills.
What they're saying:
In a statement posted on Facebook, East Hall High School Athletics said that their school "lost a truly remarkable man."
"He was a beloved teacher, coach, husband, and father who lit up every room he entered," the statement read "His passion for students was unmistakable, and his impact on the East Hall community was profound. Coach Vega will be deeply missed. We will always remember you, Coach Vega."
The Source: Information for this story came from a report by the Georgia State Patrol, information from East Hall High School, and East Hall High School Athletics.