<p>The UNC mascot, Jason Ray, has died of his injuries in the accident that happened before the Regional basketball games in NJ. This young man had been the mascot for 3 years, a good student and an Eagle Scout. He had gone to get some food from a convenience store, and was hit by a car on his way back to the hotel. The driver had not been drinking, pulled over and called 911 immediately. Such a terribly sad end to this young man’s life. My heart and prayers go out to this family–I believe he was an only child!</p>
<p>omgosh irish. I think I’m going to cry. Don’t even know what to say.</p>
<p>I did start crying–but for the Grace of God I know that could be one of my children. I pray daily that He keeps them happy and healthly. It is so hard when they are away from home–the worrying never stops! To lose a child must be the hardest thing!</p>
<p>^so very true. Bless his poor parents who are suffering the most unimaginably painful of all losses. It’s so easy to imagine how they must feel since we all have college students off on their own.</p>
<p>Here is what has just been published in the News & Observer:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.newsobserver.com/100/story/557701.html[/url]”>http://www.newsobserver.com/100/story/557701.html</a></p>
<p>Sure makes all the basketball games seem unimportant when something like this happens to one of the biggest fans.</p>
<p>What a sad story. I wish his family and friends the very best in trying to process such a tragedy. I would also like to give my thoughts to the driver. Accidents like these do happen sometimes, and this driver obviously did the right thing afterwards. I hope that the driver has the support he needs to get through this difficult and confusing time.</p>
<p>Very sad story. I believe he does have a brother who had flown to NJ from Colorado to be with him and parents. (At least that’s what this article suggested, unless it meant that the brother of the family friend flew in from Colorado.) At any rate, I’m so sorry about this.
<a href=“http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/557364.html[/url]”>http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/557364.html</a></p>
<p>thanks for that info, jack–so much grief!</p>
<p>I agree irish - it does put the games and the tournament in perspective. No matter the results, having a bright future and appreciating life is all that is important. I hope all the players and fans take this to heart.</p>
<p>Heartbreaking. Not to blame the driver, but is it me, or do car accidents seem to be on the rise again these last couple years? It appears that way here in suburban NY. It seems like every time I pick up the paper there’s another awful accident and young person killed. Maybe it’s just that our oldest will soon be driving so it’s on my radar. So sad.</p>
<p><em>tears</em> This is just UNFATHOMABLY sad. SO senseless. SO unnecessary. SO random. SO unexpected. And SO, SO tragic.</p>
<p>Thoughts and prayers to Jason Ray’s family and friends, and his communities, both at home and at school. </p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>Heartbreaking weekend for UNC.</p>
<p>My heart goes out to Jason and his family.</p>
<p>I can definitely empathize with what happened to him, though - I’m in marching band, and when we go on overnight trips to away games, we’re given a small stipend for food. We usually end up walking, sometimes across busy/congested roads and usually after dark, in search of a convenience store or other cheap location to get food.</p>
<p>My understanding is also that that is a very bad area for pedestrians…really sad to hear.</p>
<p>My sympathy to Jason’s family, friends, and UNC. I’m so saddened for their loss.</p>
<p>This is a very sad story. FYI, one of the side stories are that as soon as the accident happened, his parents tried to get a flight from Charlotte up to NJ. They were having difficulty getting something arranged; a family acquaintance contacted a car dealer in Concord, NC, who had the parents flown up via his private jet.</p>
<p>This is more updated information on Jason and his family, where to send condolences . . .
<a href=“UNC student mascot dies after being hit by SUV”>UNC student mascot dies after being hit by SUV;
<p>Such an important note in jack’s link. </p>
<p>Jason’s family donated his organs to the Sharing Network of New Jersey. I’m such a big believer in organ donation and keep my donor card in the driver’s license window of my wallet. If anyone has thought of signing up and not yet done so, I hope they are inspired by this young man’s last gift to society.</p>
<p>My deepest sympathies. I cannot even imagine.</p>