I received an update on d.b.a. bar owner Ray Deter’s condition, after being in a bicycle accident earlier this week. I desperately had hoped the news would be better, but Ray’s wife, Catherine Lepp, posted the following on d.b.a.’s Facebook page earlier today:

Thanks so much for everyone’s kind words and support for me and the boys….Ray will no longer be with us after this weekend, but we hope our loss will give life to others. Please celebrate Ray as he passes on.

Love to you all, Catherine, Jake & Maxwell

The Times-Picayune, the Village Voice and the Gothamist have the same story. And if you haven’t yet read Tom Peters’ reminiscences about Ray, head over the Monk’s Cafe website. My heart goes out to Ray’s wife Catherine and his two sons.

UPDATE 7.3: I got the news a few hours ago that Ray passed away. Please drink a toast tonight to honor the memory of Ray Deter. He will be missed.