honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 7:24 a.m., Monday, March 26, 2007

North Carolina student who performed as mascot dies

Associated Press

HACKENSACK, N.J. — A University of North Carolina student who performed as a mascot for the school's basketball team died today, three days after being struck by a car hours before an NCAA tournament game.

Jason Ray was 21.

Ray, who performed as UNC's ram mascot, Rameses, had been in critical condition since the accident Friday afternoon. He was struck from behind while walking on the shoulder of a highway near his hotel after going to a nearby convenience store.

Ray, who was scheduled to graduate in May with a major in business administration and a minor in religion, was in New Jersey for the men's game between North Carolina and Southern California.

Steve Kirscher, UNC's associate athletic director for communications, said Ray died this morning.

No charges have been filed against he driver of the sport utility vehicle. Police said the driver stopped immediately to try to help Ray and called 911. Police also said the driver had a valid driver's license and did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.