North Carolina mascot injured on N.J. street

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — A North Carolina cheerleader was in critical condition Friday after being struck by a vehicle while walking outside a hotel in Fort Lee hours before the school's appearance in an NCAA basketball tournament game, the university said.

Jason Ray, a senior from Concord, N.C., was being treated at Hackensack University Medical Center, the school said without disclosing the nature of his injuries. The accident happened late in the afternoon.

Ray has worn the Rameses mascot uniform for the past three years and he was to have performed at North Carolina's game against Southern California in the NCAA East Regional semifinal on Friday night.

Ray's parent were en route to New Jersey, the school said.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident," athletic director Dick Baddour said. "Our hearts go out to Jason and his family and our prayers are with them."