Funeral Scheduled for UNC Mascot Jason Ray

CONCORD, N.C. — A funeral will be held Saturday for Jason Ray, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student who died three days after he was struck by a car just hours before an NCAA tournament game where he was to perform as the school's mascot.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Concord First Assembly, the university said Tuesday. Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at the same church.

Ray, 21, died Monday morning after being in critical condition at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey since Friday afternoon. A car struck him from behind as he walked on a highway shoulder near his hotel in Fort Lee after going to a nearby convenience store.

Ray was one of three UNC students who portrayed the Tar Heels' ram mascot, Rameses and had done so for three years. He was scheduled to graduate in May with a major in business administration and a minor in religion.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Jason Kendall Ray Memorial Fund, Concord Christian Church, 3101 Davidson Highway, Concord, N.C, 28027.

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I had the priviledge to attend the NCAA tournament in Winston Salem a couple of weeks ago......I am from Seattle and enjoy traveling to different sites every year to enjoy not just the game itself....but I really get a kick out of the different mascots....I was impressed with the UNC mascot on both that Thursday and Saturday and just watching Rameses as I think it is called just brought a smile to my face....When I read what had happened last week....I just felt a lump in my stomach eventhough personally I didn't know the person.....I am truly saddened by the passing of Mr Ray and am praying for the family and friends of this person that brought a gentle smile to my face.....I will never forget watching him direct the pep band...God Bless You all at this difficult time.........

ark hogs
March 28, 2007 10:00 p.m.

I have never had the opportunity to attend a Tarheel game to have the personal impact that the mascot has on the fans. But from reading all of the heart felt comments from everybody, I can tell that it is a wonderful experience.

I have been a Tarheel fan my entire life and I will always bleed Carolina Blue. I was deeply saddened when I heard the news about the traumatic incident. My prayers and thoughts are with the Ray family and the entire Tarheel family as well. I know that he has touched many lives and will always be remembered.

heelfan07
March 28, 2007 2:57 p.m.

May God's love and grace surround this Concord family and all the people Jason's life touched along the way. Jason is smiling down at all his friends! Be blessed.

abcmermaid
March 28, 2007 2:01 p.m.

This is such a sad story! My thoughts & prayers are with his family and friends! It is just so SAD that someone so great had to be taken from this world!! We need more people like him around!!

sparklingblues
March 28, 2007 1:06 p.m.

I will be there,Thanks Jason for all you stood for.We need more like you !!!

Greekgirl
March 28, 2007 12:33 p.m.