Friends of a man found beaten and stabbed to death one week ago are calling his death a hate crime.

Adrian Clay, also known as Shari Campbell, was popular in San Antonio's gay community, friends said. Clay would dance at drag competitions and fundraisers, spending a lot of his time to raise money for AIDS awareness and research, said friend Alexis Vallerio.

"He was like the class clown," she said. "He was there to bring people up when they were sad, (he) was there to give a helping hand whenever we needed him."

Vallerio, along with other friends of Clay, believe he was the victim of a hate crime when he was found dead on the 4800 block of Presa Road near a bar called The Boss.

Clay was dressed in drag as he left the bar about 2 a.m., friends said, and was found bleeding and unconscious near the bar. Clay was taken to the hospital, but later died of his injuries.

Friends of Clay are asking anybody with information to contact Crime Stoppers. A benefit fundraiser is also scheduled for Thursday evening at the Silver Dollar Night Club at 1422 North Main Ave.

Police said they have not classified Clay's death as a hate crime because they have no motives or suspects.