Authorities identified the victim as 28-year-old Quoc Nguyen, who was known to friends and family as “Jake.” His body was discovered along Lakewood Forest Drive near Grant Road by a passerby who called 911.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Nguyen had been shot, but investigators have not released details on what may have led to his death. His car has not been found.

Jake’s family said he was working as an Uber driver the night he was killed and had picked up several passengers for a ride from downtown Houston. The last contact with him was when the trip reached north Harris County.

“We are still in disbelief. That this is the reality we have to live with day to day,” said Jake’s brother, Mathew Nguyen.

Jake had served in the U.S. Marine Corps and had recently returned home to pursue a career in emergency services. He was studying to become an EMT.

“He was very easygoing, full of spirit… our hero,” said Mathew. “He took on responsibilities no one else could.”

The family is urging anyone with information to come forward. They’re especially hopeful someone may have seen Jake’s car or knows something about the passengers he had in his vehicle that night.

“Praise to the person who found his body and called 911,” said Mathew. “Thank you for doing what was right.”

Family has set up a GoFundMe account to help with expenses.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact them or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.