Madison Central School Resource Officer Corey Ray, home after 8 months in the hospital, has died

Madison Central School Resource Officer Corey Ray, home after 8 months in the hospital, has died

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MADISON — Madison Central School Resource Officer Corey Ray, released from the hospital on Tuesday after an extended illness, has died this evening, Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins-Butler has confirmed.

Ray, who had been hospitalized for about eight months, was released on Tuesday and got a police escort home.

“Corey was a fine and caring young man,” said Ann Crocker Rogers on the Facebook page Pray for Corey Ray Wednesday night. “He was super involved with the Madison Central Band program. He was always with to us to football games and band competitions out of state. Prayers to his family.”

The Facebook page Prayer Warriors Madison the City said in a post Wednesday night: "We are heartbroken to hear that Corey Ray passed away. But we are so grateful that he is no longer suffering. He is whole and complete, no more pain or tears, and in the arms of Jesus! We are thankful for his beautiful, loving heart and the time the Lord blessed us with Corey. Please pray for Karen and Gary Golden, Charles Ray and all the law enforcement family Corey served with along with all the kids he loved so generously."

The Madison Police Department said in a statement on Thursday:

"It is with great sorrow that the Madison Police Department announces the passing of Officer Corey Ray, Badge# 408. Officer Ray began his career with the Madison Police Department in 2010 as the Communications Division Supervisor and as a Reserve Police Officer. As a reserve officer he spent countless hours dedicated to providing safety and outreach to the students, faculty and staff of Madison Central High School, Rosa Scott Middle School and other schools in the Madison County School System within the City of Madison.

"In 2018, Corey was assigned as a full-time police officer with the Madison Police Department with his primary duties continuing to be providing for the safety, security and well-being of the Madison schools’ students, faculty and staff. Corey was dedicated to helping students and Madison’s youth. He realized how challenging growing up could be and provided guidance to Madison’s young citizens on many occasions. He helped many students facilitate the right choices in their lives.

"We would like to express our sympathy and offer our prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Ray. He was a valued member of this Department and the Madison community and will be greatly missed. Arrangements are still being finalized and the family has not released the details of the arrangements at this time."

A video posted to numerous social media accounts shows an ambulance escorted by “brothers in blue” transporting Ray home.

“He’s a hard worker, never complains, just a good guy all around,” said Deputy Chris Picou, supervisor, Rankin/Madison interdiction officer in the video segment by Darkhorse Press.

The video shows a group of family, friends and neighbors standing in Ray’s front yard cheering and taking photographs as the ambulance, escorted by the brothers in blue police motorcade of motorcycles and patrol units with flashing lights, arrives and ambulance crew members bring Ray into his house on a stretcher.

The yard is decorated with balloons and signs with the Madison Central Jaguars logo and “Welcome Home. We love you.” People wrote personal notes on the signs.

Ray was admitted in late October 2020 for a digestive issue.

“On Tuesday, July 13, Corey got to go home, escorted by police officers from Madison Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Rankin County Sheriff's Department, and Ridgeland Police Department,” a caption posted with the video states. “He was greeted at his home by family and friends.”






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