Jason Kendall Ray, 21, died this morning (Monday, March 26) at Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center. The UNC senior played Rameses, the UNC mascot, and was injured in an accident in Fort Lee, N.J., on Friday, His brother Allen, says the family will donate Jason's organs and hopes to help up to 50 people through their tragedy. If you would like to share a memory of Jason, please post to this forum.
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.
Posted for Priscilla Hawkins I am parent of a sophomore at UNC. I had the pleasure of meeting "Rameses" It was a great desire of mine to meet him. One of the thrills of being at the game for me was to watch Jason wow the crowd with his enthusiasm. Being a former high school cheerleader, I would get a rush just watching him. I dreamed of meeting him to get a hug and a picture.On February 18, we attended the girls game and low and behold, here comes Jason to my surprise and not knowing he was right beside me until my son alerted me. I thought I was going to pass out because it felt like I was meeting one of the most prestigous people in the world. Jason was more than willing to grant my wishes. He not only took several pictures with me but I got a hug and a kiss on the hand. The most important thing that I thank God for is that Jason was a christian and loved God. He minored in religion and was due to graduate in May but he graduated early! He was a delight to meet in costume!I will always remember that day. I am saddened at the loss of such a great and fine young man. He loved the crowd and the crowd loved him. So in closing I want to offer this cheer:Give me an R, Give me an A, Give me a M, Give me an E, Give me an S, Give me an E, Give me an S. Rameses! Rameses! He's the best. Thanks for the pictures, hug, and kiss.
Posted for Lina Lindberg in Chapel Hill I don't know Jason Ray, nor have I ever met him. The first thing that comes to my mind when reading about this tradegy is that it perhaps could have been avoided if only Americans could realize that there is a need to build side walks for pedestrians and bike lanes for bikers. The infrastructure in this country is built with cars in mind, and there is no room for people. I think you should write an article about this problem, since it is a present problem in most American cities, to raise awareness and having people demanding safe side walks from your local governments. Compare with most European cities where people can walk or bike without much problems. It saves lives! There are also a need to do this from an environmentally sustainable pespective. Thank you for your time. -- Lina LindbergSwedish citizen living in Chapel Hill, NC (where 2 people got killed last fall trying to cross a road with no safe crossing)
My dad and his two brothers, as well as my own younger brother, are grads of NCSU. It goes without saying that I grew up a State fan. Then, I attended and graduated from Wake Forest University. I've never been accused of being a Carolina fan.
But I am, most sadly and suddenly and profoundly and with tears in my eyes, a huge fan of young Mr. Jason Ray. I wonder if he really knew what joy he must have brought to the Tar Heel fans as he roused them to cheer for their team. I can't imagine doing that - my big ol' butt lacks the energy. Of sports I can't say much right now.
Of family, I can. My prayers are tonight, as they were through this past weekend, with Jason's parents and brother. I'm grateful that I cannot truly imagine their grief, for I don't know how I could bear it.
Except, perhaps I could, with the faith in and knowledge of Christ's love and forgiveness. It must have been with this that Jason's parents let him live on through their donation of his worldly organs. Saints, they are, or else imbued with the same Spirit of Christ as was Jason.
I find myself on this sad day imagining Jason beckoning to his loved ones, "Don't hurry, y'all. Take your time and enjoy the journey. I'm just a wee bit ahead, just around the bend, and only barely out of sight. Trying to clear a path for you, as one was cleared for me."
Lord, as much as I love Jesus, He never said loss wouldn't hurt the human heart.
Tim
Address for condolences?
Is there an address where we can send a card of condolence to the family? This is such a tragedy for this young man to be taken so soon and in this way. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. We just want them to know there are others supporting them in this dark time. Thank you, Barbara WaddellSpartanburg, SC