Events honor UNC student mascot killed in accident

A University of North Carolina student who performed as the school’s mascot before his death last month in a traffic accident is being remembered in public events.

A celebration of the life of Jason Ray, who would have graduated in May with a degree in business administration, was scheduled Tuesday in the Carolina Club of the George Watts Hill Alumni Building.

Ray died three days after being hit by a car on a New Jersey highway on the night of March 24. He had been scheduled to perform as the UNC mascot Rameses as the men’s basketball team played in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Friends and other people who knew Ray well during his time at Chapel Hill are expected to speak and offer their support to Ray’s family, who will be in attendance.

A benefit concert to honor Ray and raise money for the Jason Ray Memorial Fund will be held April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro. The show will feature the members of 9pm Traffic, of which Ray was a member.