Dear Friends,
It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Ray Champagne -- exoneree, leader, community member, loving partner, father, brother, grandfather, and dear friend – passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 12, in a motorcycle accident. Wise, funny, thoughtful, exceedingly kind, and always honest, Ray made an impact on everyone he met.
Before becoming an integral part of the NEIP community, Ray fought for his freedom for 41 years alongside his lawyer and close friend, Lisa Kavanaugh, Director of the CPCS Innocence Program and NEIP trustee. Since he was freed on February 18, 2020, Ray has devoted his time and vision to developing support for the community of people returning from long-term incarceration.
Ray partnered with exonerees Sean Ellis and Victor Rosario to create the Exoneree Network, a welcoming and supportive community for wrongfully convicted people coming home. Each day, Ray committed himself to developing resources and healing spaces for the growing community of people freed from wrongful convictions.
We are committed to making Ray’s dream a reality. We are committed to one day having an Exoneree Home where people can go as soon as they are released. We are committed to supporting people with resources, training, healing circles, and lots of love and understanding. Please help us support Ray’s vision through a gift to the Exoneree Network, and please leave a note here in his memory.
Our community is heartbroken at losing Ray. We will do everything we can to honor his memory and the care he gave to everyone around him.
Radha Natarajan
Executive Director, NEIP
Learn more about the Exoneree Network