Jason Ray Update -- has died

[tux]

ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?id=2812224&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines)

An incredibly sad story. Wrong place at the wrong time.

[FireOgilvie]

It is really sad.

If only he was still wearing his giant foam suit. :(

It was very nice to see the team wearing patches for him.

[throatybeard]

That's awful.

[terrih]

I had been wondering about this young man and am deeply saddened to hear that he is not doing well. What a horrible story and situation.

My heart and prayers go out to Jason, his family and friends.

I also pray for the person who hit him. From the article it doesn't sound like drugs or alcohol was involved, but instead was a horrible driving accident. To have to live with this is unimaginable.

[Madrasdukie]

ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?id=2812224&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines)

An incredibly sad story. Wrong place at the wrong time.

Truly heart rending. Condolences to the family. Hopefully, time heals soon.

[adam]

It was very nice to see the team wearing patches for him.

I missed the game, so I didn't see the patches the team was wearing. I did see the get-well message from the Oregon mascot, though. Check out the link below for a picture.

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/photo?slug=getty-73627400tl060_ncaa_regional_6_45_10_pm&prov=getty

[JJweMISSu]

What a great picture... Feel sorry for the family.

[KBCrazie]

A New Jersey online blog entry indicates that WCBS TV has reported that Jason passed away today. What a tragedy.

http://blog.nj.com/breakingnews/2007/03/man_who_wore_unc_mascot_suit_d.html

[JJweMISSu]

Aww man that is horrible......

[jdj4duke]

Just announced at about 1:20 pm DT

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

...sad happenings like this one always seem even sadder when they come in Springtime.

The SUV driver's life has been changed forever as well. Let's not forget him, either.

I know everybody at DBR is sorry for all who are touched by this. Love, Ima

[gadzooks]

God, this is so sad. Poor kid. :(

[lavell12]

As Duke fans is there anything we can do to pay a tribute to this kid? Even though we are rivals we should do something.

[VaDukie]

Anyone know if the family will start a memorial foundation for him?

[Madrasdukie]

As Duke fans is there anything we can do to pay a tribute to this kid? Even though we are rivals we should do something.

I had the same thought but wasn't sure what we could do....perhaps, collect a list of messages that could be mailed to them ?

[ikiru36]

Tragic. All possible strength and condolences to any family, friends, UNC and collegiate athletics community affected.

Cherish the memories, and remember the blessing of the joy and excitement he clearly provided to so many.

[CathyCA]

Such a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[ehdg]

That's really a shame to die so young. Feel really bad for his parent. Let's hope they remember all the good memories they had with him as time passes and can take some solice in them.

[gadzooks]

Anyone know if the family will start a memorial foundation for him?I found this (http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/genrel/032607aaa.html) on the UNC Athletics website.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jason Kendall Ray Memorial Fund, Concord Christian Church, 3101 Davidson Highway, Concord, NC 28027.I wonder if somebody at DBR can put together an e-card that we can sign, too? That would be a nice gesture, I think.

[dukestheheat]

i just read the news and i'm so sorry to read about it; just seems like a freak accident and i truly do not like to see anyone suffer.

dth.

[Indoor66]

My heart goes out to the family. A super fan doing his thing. Sad....

[dukepsy1963]

My condolences to the Ray family and to the entire UNC family.

[ricks68]

My very hearfelt condolences to the family. From what I've read, you had a gem of a son. I am so sorry for your loss.

ricks

[BobbyFan]

Ugh...just terrible news. My thoughts are with his family. I can't imagine the pain they must be feeling.

[shereec]

Sincere condolences to the entire UNC family over your loss, and deepest sympathy to Jason's family. I hope your loving memories help you to heal. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Cameron]

I send my prayers. How tragic... Life can be downright cruel at times. What a horrible, horrible situation.

[Clipsfan]

horribly inappropriate post deleted

We also like to think that we can rise above such things. No matter what school Jason went to, his death is still tragic. I know that few newspaper articles lambast relative unknowns who die in these circumstances, but the article I read about him made him sound like a very decent person.

[Kathy S]

horribly inappropriate post deleted

I hope and believe you are wrong. Something like this transcends rivalries, and I'm sure there would be heartfelt sympathy if the situation were reversed. But let's assume for a minute that you're right -- is that a reason we Duke fans should descend to the level you believe would be displayed by Carolina fans?

[jimbonelson]

horribly inappropriate post deleted

wow thats a different way to look at it not my way of looking at it i feel sorry for his family and his friends

[throatybeard]

BlueDev03 is on hiatus for retooling.

[Uncle Drew]

I know Jason got hit from behind by a car in NJ. But does anyone know any of the specifics of the circumstances? Did alcohol play a part in the accident for either party? Have charges been brought against the driver and if so for what? Exactly what were the injurries that caused him to die? I don't mean to be so morbid, but the whole situation is so bizzare and tragic.

Many years ago I was a delivery man for a local printer. I was driving a van through Chapel Hill on my way to the Dean Dome to drop off some brochures. Suddenly Eric Montross and Brian Reese darted out in front jogging of me and I had to slam on the brakes and swerve to avoid hitting Montross. It would have been a total accident if I had hit one of them, but I know once they found out I am a Duke fan they would put me under the jail.

Regardless you have to feel for Jasons family right now, no matter your allegiance. As is often said no parent should have to burry a child.

[DevilAlumna]

According to this Charlotte Observer (http://pd.charlotte.com/sp?gId=100&gcId=1185426&rNum=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlotteobserver.com%2F302%2 Fstory%2F62826.html)article, among others, it was truly an accident.

Jason was walking back to his hotel from a convenience store where he was getting some food, and was along the side of a busy highway. The driver wasn't under the influence - no signs of drugs or alcohol - and immediately got out to help. Somewhere else I read someone say they couldn't imagine a pedestrian along that highway, that it was very narrow, w/ lots of traffic/no shoulders.

The article has a recent picture of Mr. Ray -- handsome young man. Tragic, so tragic.

[jimbonelson]

i just learned that ohio state cheerleaders will be wearing a armband in memory of him

[SoCalDukeFan]

What a sad story.

I hope that the Duke U. Family finds a way to pay tribute to him.

SoCal

[banneheim]

Knowing that he is in a better place may ease me a little but how tragic: A kid so young and in the prime of his life, getting ready to graduate loses his life. God bless his family. It makes me more thankful of what I have...

[Uncle Drew]

Thanks for the explaination DevilAlumna, you have to feel for the driver as well seeing as it was an accident. Knowing you have unjustly taken someones life unintentionally or not has to weigh on your soul. From everything I've read he sounded like a good all around kid. Makes you realize you never know when your time is going to come.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

My heartfelt condolences to his family, teammates and friends.

[Son of Jarhead]

This is indeed a tragedy. I wish to pass on to the family & friends of Jason Ray my deepest sympathy & prayers during this trying time. It sounds like he was a fine young man, and one who was passionate in his support of his team & university. As one who feels this same passion, though our shade of blue was different, I mourn the loss of a kindred spirit. God bless. -Eric

[Bostondevil]

After spending this past Christmas in the Pediatric ICU with my 2 year-old and making friends with the family of the 16 year-old freak car accident victim in the next bed and seeing them both come through, I've started to believe in miracles. I was praying hard for Jason to be another one. I am truly saddened by the outcome. Now I will pray for the family and friends to find the strength to go on and for Jason's memory to be kept alive.