Students and staff at East Hall High School are mourning the loss of a teacher and coach. Victor Vega passed away Tuesday morning in a motorcycle accident on his way to work. He was 54 years old.
The accident occurred around 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, at the intersection of Old Cornelia Highway and Jesse Jewell Parkway. According to the Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary crash report, Vega was driving a Honda CMX 300 east on Jesse Jewell Parkway when a Chevy Suburban turned in front of him. Vega struck the SUV’s front bumper, ejecting him from the bike. The Suburban then ran over him.
Vega was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, where he died.
The State Patrol identified the Suburban driver as 57-year-old Maria Escobedo of Gillsville. Investigating troopers say she failed to yield while turning.
School community in mourning
Vega taught business at East Hall and served as an assistant coach for the softball and baseball teams.
The Hall County School System expressed its condolences in a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened today by the loss of teacher and coach Victor Vega of East Hall High School. Our prayers go out to the Vega family, the students and faculty at East Hall High School, and the East Hall Community.”
A crisis team is available at East Hall High School to provide support for students and staff grieving this loss.
According to Vega’s staff biography, he played college baseball before serving in the Air Force. After his military service, he transitioned to education. In addition to his teaching and coaching duties, Vega advised East Hall’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). He also collaborated with the Atlanta Braves to develop youth players.
Vega had worked at East Hall High since 2022.
