ROANOKE, Va. – Athletes including brothers and friends of Kawuan Ray came together to play flag football on Martin Luther King Jr. Day-- one of many sports that the former Roanoke Catholic and Patrick Henry star excelled at. Monday’s game was about more than just the love of sport, but rather the love of each other. "Kawuan Ray Day" (WSLS)That prompted Monday’s flag football event, a way to give back to the community while also providing support through the grieving process. “I just know how great of a young man he was just by the effect he had on other young people in the community, his teammates, younger brothers and just his friends. So, it’s like we’re all going to carry the weight together, grieve together instead of doing it alone,” said Thomas.

ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke Catholic School community is mourning the loss of a former student-athlete. Football and track star Kawuan Ray died Tuesday evening, according to school leaders who shared the news Tuesday on Facebook. School leaders said Ray died unexpectedly from a medical emergency. Ray led the football and track teams to state championships. But school leaders said, “More importantly Kawuan was a light in our hallways and classrooms, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of teaching him, coaching him and calling him a friend.”