HACKENSACK, N.J. -- Jason Ray, the North Carolina student who performed as a mascot for the school's basketball team, died three days after he was struck by a car hours before an NCAA tournament game. He was 21.

Ray died Monday morning, said Steve Kirschner, the university's associate athletic director for communications.

Ray had been in critical condition at Hackensack University Medical Center since the accident Friday afternoon. He was hit from behind while walking on a highway shoulder near his hotel in Fort Lee after going to a nearby convenience store.

Ray performed as UNC's ram mascot, Rameses. He was scheduled to graduate in May with a major in business administration and a minor in religion.

"Jason was a wonderful son, brother and friend," Ray's brother, Allen, said in a statement released by the university. "He leaves behind a legacy of friendship, laughter, excitement for life and a genuine love for all the people he touched during his all-too-short life."

Ray had played the part of the Ram mascot for the past three seasons and was in New Jersey for Friday's game between North Carolina and Southern California. The Tar Heels defeated the Trojans 74-64 but lost to Georgetown 96-84 in overtime in Sunday's regional final.

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"He was an engaging young man and a friend to a number of our players and managers," UNC coach Roy Williams said.

No charges have been filed against he driver of the sport utility vehicle. Police said the driver stopped immediately to try to help Ray and called 911. Police also said the driver had a valid driver's license and did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

On Sunday, more than two dozen family members and friends held a bedside vigil for Ray. About 40 people attended a prayer session for him on the UNC campus Sunday afternoon, said Laura Ely, 22, a UNC senior who met Ray early in their freshman year.

Ely recalled in an e-mail how Ray auditioned for the mascot role.

"I remember vividly Jason telling me about trying out for a position as UNC mascot," she wrote. "He was instructed to dress up in costume and walk around the pit (a common area on campus) and interact with students as if he were at a game interacting with fans. He obviously made a good impression because he was soon accepted and began dressing for games right away."

Ray's organs will be donated to the Sharing Network of New Jersey, his brother said. The group is looking for potential matches and Ray's funeral will be held shortly after his usable organs are harvested.

His family plans to find even more ways to put a positive spin on the tragedy. A memorial fund has been set up in the young man's name and his parents are setting up a board to help decide how the money will be spent. They said it could go to a scholarship or a mission.

You can send donations to:

The Concord Christian Church

3101 Davidson Highway

Concord, N.C. 28027