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Ricky (January 28, 1977 - December 13, 1992), Robert D (January 27, 1978 - October 20, 2000) and Randy Ray (born 1979) were three hemophiliac brothers who were diagnosed with HIV in 1986. The media coverage following the burning of their family home and activism of the Ray family is often considered a signal event in the history of AIDS in the United States.^{[citation needed]}

Contents 1 Biography 2 Sources 3 See also 4 External links

[edit] Biography

The sons of Arcadia, Florida natives Louise and Clifford Ray, they were the subject of a federal court battle against the De Soto County School Board to allow the children to attend public school despite their diagnosis. Although the Rays were victorious in their legal battle, the Ray home was burned down a week after the 1987 decision, forcing the family to leave Arcadia.

Ricky Ray died in 1992 at age 15. Prior to his death, he made headlines by planning to marry his 17 year old girlfriend, but a judge blocked the wedding because of his age. Robert was 22 when AIDS claimed him in 2000. Shortly thereafter, their father, Clifford Ray, attempted suicide but failed. Randy Ray lives in Orlando, Florida, and manages his HIV through medication.

[edit] Sources

• [1] Miami Herald 1992/12/14: "Ricky Ray loses AIDS battle"
• [2] St. Petersburg Times 2000/10/21: "Robert Ray, 22, succumbs to longtime AIDS struggle"
• [3] Ibid 2001/9/2: "Slow change of heart"

[edit] See also

• Ryan White

[edit] External links

• The Ray Brothers
• Ricky Ray at Find a Grave
• Robert Ray at Find a Grave

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