TexasHSFootball
03-23-2007, 11:30 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?id=2810435&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- North Carolina senior Jason Ray, who wears the Tar Heels' Ramses mascot uniform, was injured when he was hit by a car late Friday afternoon while walking outside a hotel in Fort Lee, N.J., university spokesperson Steve Kirschner said in a release.
Ray was taken to Hackensack Medical Center, where he was in critical condition. His parents were notified and were en route to the hospital Friday night.
Ray has been the mascot for the past three seasons and was supposed to perform during Friday night's Sweet 16 game against USC.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident," UNC director of athletics Dick Baddour said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to Jason and his family, and our prayers are with them. I have spoken to Jason's father by phone earlier [Friday].
"Larry Gallo [senior associate AD], Dr. Tom Brickner [team physician] and I went to the hospital and were thankful and appreciative of the hospital's care and concern for Jason."
The Fort Lee police said Ray was walking on the shoulder of Route 4 when he was hit by a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer driven by 51-year-old Gagik Hovsepyan of Paramus. Hovsepyan called the police and aided Ray, hit while returning to the Fort Lee Hilton after purchasing food at a convenience store.
The accident is under investigation and no charges have been filed. Police said Hovsepyan had a valid license and didn't appear to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- North Carolina senior Jason Ray, who wears the Tar Heels' Ramses mascot uniform, was injured when he was hit by a car late Friday afternoon while walking outside a hotel in Fort Lee, N.J., university spokesperson Steve Kirschner said in a release.
Ray was taken to Hackensack Medical Center, where he was in critical condition. His parents were notified and were en route to the hospital Friday night.
Ray has been the mascot for the past three seasons and was supposed to perform during Friday night's Sweet 16 game against USC.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident," UNC director of athletics Dick Baddour said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to Jason and his family, and our prayers are with them. I have spoken to Jason's father by phone earlier [Friday].
"Larry Gallo [senior associate AD], Dr. Tom Brickner [team physician] and I went to the hospital and were thankful and appreciative of the hospital's care and concern for Jason."
The Fort Lee police said Ray was walking on the shoulder of Route 4 when he was hit by a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer driven by 51-year-old Gagik Hovsepyan of Paramus. Hovsepyan called the police and aided Ray, hit while returning to the Fort Lee Hilton after purchasing food at a convenience store.
The accident is under investigation and no charges have been filed. Police said Hovsepyan had a valid license and didn't appear to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.