Student Rameses dies from injuries
Ray played mascot for three years
By: Erin Zureick, University Editor
Issue date: 3/26/07 Section: University
Jason Ray, a UNC senior who wore the Rameses suit for three years, died Monday morning after being hit by an SUV Friday afternoon while walking along a New Jersey highway.
A spokeswoman for Hackensack University Medical Center said that Ray died at 8:38 a.m. Monday.
He sustained severe head injuries after being hit by an SUV on N.J. Route 4. He was in the area for the men's basketball game Friday against the University of Southern California. Hospital officials said that Ray was an organ donor.
Ray, 21, was an active member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the lead singer of a band, Nine P.M. Traffic.
Those who knew Ray said he was a generous person who epitomized what a mascot should be.
"I think he took (the Rameses job) very seriously," UNC senior James Jolley said Sunday. "He loves to make people happy."
Ray, who was to have graduated in May with a degree in business administration, also led a Bible study group for off-campus upperclassmen.
His parents and two brothers, along with several friends, made the trip to New Jersey to be with Ray.
Gagik Hovsepyan, 51, of Paramus, N.J., was on Route 4 trying to exit when he hit Ray with his 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, according to a press release from the nearby Fort Lee Police Department. Hovsepyan stopped his vehicle to help and called police. His son was asleep in the vehicle at the time.
The release states that Hovsepyan did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No criminal charges have been issued.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
A spokeswoman for Hackensack University Medical Center said that Ray died at 8:38 a.m. Monday.
He sustained severe head injuries after being hit by an SUV on N.J. Route 4. He was in the area for the men's basketball game Friday against the University of Southern California. Hospital officials said that Ray was an organ donor.
Ray, 21, was an active member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the lead singer of a band, Nine P.M. Traffic.
Those who knew Ray said he was a generous person who epitomized what a mascot should be.
"I think he took (the Rameses job) very seriously," UNC senior James Jolley said Sunday. "He loves to make people happy."
Ray, who was to have graduated in May with a degree in business administration, also led a Bible study group for off-campus upperclassmen.
His parents and two brothers, along with several friends, made the trip to New Jersey to be with Ray.
Gagik Hovsepyan, 51, of Paramus, N.J., was on Route 4 trying to exit when he hit Ray with his 2006 Mercury Mountaineer, according to a press release from the nearby Fort Lee Police Department. Hovsepyan stopped his vehicle to help and called police. His son was asleep in the vehicle at the time.
The release states that Hovsepyan did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No criminal charges have been issued.
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 40
Jason Fernandez
posted 3/26/07 @ 2:34 PM EST
God bless his soul, the spirit of Carolina will live on forever. May he rest in peace, this is a tragic day for all of us.
Jane Christopherson
posted 3/26/07 @ 2:40 PM EST
As an NCSU alumnus and current employee, I would like to express my sincere sympathies to Jason's family and friends, and the entire UNC community. Sounds like he was a great guy and I'm sure you all will miss him. (Continued…)
Karen Pollock
posted 3/26/07 @ 2:44 PM EST
My deepest sympathies to the Ray and Tar Heel families. Ray is now leading cheers with all the angels in Heaven.
Lee Faucette
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:10 PM EST
It is such a sad day for the family and friends of Jason Ray. This beautiful young man with his whole young life ahead of him, and now its over. Jason and his family have been in my prayers ever since I head of the news. (Continued…)
Dr M Sanders
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:11 PM EST
I offer my sympathy to the Jason Ray family and those who mourn the loss of this fine young man.
Greg
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:11 PM EST
Rest in peace Jason.
Scott Bernstein
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:12 PM EST
I was extremely saddened to hear of Jason Ray's death. Killed while trying to participate in the sports frenzy that affects us all this time of year. (Continued…)
Hannah Heishman
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:17 PM EST
Bless you, your family and friends, Tar Heel; rest in peace...
amanda
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:38 PM EST
I read on Jason's facebook support group the following:
Instead of flowers, the parents of Jason Ray are asking people to contribute to the Jason Kendall Ray Memorial Fund. (Continued…)
John Retsios
posted 3/26/07 @ 3:38 PM EST
Thank you Jason for putting smiles on our faces!!!
GOD SPEED,
From New York City Tarheels
John
UNC 2002
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