It would have been the 19-year-old MSU sophomore's first day of work at Das' Creamery's new location, Das' Creamery MooTown Morris Marketplace, on East Hanover Avenue in Morristown.
Ray, of Flanders, joined Das' staff in April 2021, and has brought light and life to the ice cream shop ever since, the shop's owners tell Daily Voice.
But early Sunday morning, Nov. 3, 19-year-old Ray was killed when he rear-ended a box truck on the shoulder of Route 80 in Denville.
So, celebrations at Das' Creamery MooTown will have to wait.
"He was a force of nature—a heart full of love and kindness, and an energy that lifted everyone around him," Das' Creamery said in a tribute shared to social media.
"He had an infectious enthusiasm for life, always brightening our days with his quick wit, endless humor, and fierce loyalty to Das. His spirit was one of boundless joy and optimism, and he was the first to lift others up when they needed it most."
Das' Creamery will not be the same without Ray.
"The kindest person ever," one of his coworkers commented on the tribute. "I would walk into work whenever I was scheduled with Cameron so happy, knowing it’ll be such a good shift. We always used to joke about our top 3 favorite people to work with and always knew he had that top spot. When I said goodbye to go back to college this summer I didn’t know it was going to be the last."
"Cam was one of a kind, and there are no words to describe the impact he made on the Das family," another added. "This news is beyond gut wrenching, but what a honor it was to know him ❤️ rest in peace Camsterdam."
Customers remembered Ray as a smiling face, quick to lend a helping hand.
"Oh my goodness I am sorry for this huge loss," one write. "I remember him smiling and so sweet helping me as I came in with my three kids in tow. Sending our love and prayers to his family and the Das Creamery family ❤️🥺🙏🏼."
Services have not yet been finalized.
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