(03/26/07) HACKENSACK ? A University of North Carolina senior who served as the school?s mascot died Monday after getting struck by an SUV.

Jason Ray, 21, died at Hackensack University Medical Center at 8:38 a.m, according to UNC Associate Athletics Director for Communications Steve Kirschner. Police say Ray was walking to a convenience store along Route 4 in Fort Lee Friday when he was struck by the vehicle. The school?s basketball team was in New Jersey to play in the NCAA tournament at the Continental Airlines Arena. Ray dressed up as the team?s mascot, Rameses, for games.

Police say the SUV?s driver, 51-year-old Gagik Hovsepyan, stopped immediately after the accident and called 911. According to police, Hovsepyan did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. No charges have been filed. Ray was scheduled to graduate in May with a major in business administration and a minor in religion.

Related information: UNC mascot hangs on to life in Hackensack