Quoc Nguyen was found dead on the side of a northwest Harris County road. Investigators said he was shot to death, but they don’t know much more than that.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Marine veteran was found dead on the side of a northwest Harris County road late Thursday night, and family members are hoping to find out what happened to their loved one.

Investigators are working to find out if 28-year-old Quoc Nguyen was killed along Lakewood Forest Drive near Grant Road or if someone dumped his body there before someone who was passing by spotted it and called 911.

His family is hoping to find out what happened to the man they called “Hiu Jake.” They set up a GoFundMe account to help with expenses.

Family members said he was a Marine veteran and was studying to become an EMT. He had been working as an Uber driver to help support his single mother and two younger sisters. Uber called his death a devastating tragedy and sent condolences to his family and friends.

RELATED: Uber driver found shot to death on side of NW Harris County road

Investigators said his vehicle is still missing.

On Friday afternoon, some of Jake’s family members said they were still in shock over what happened. They said he was easy-going and laid back, and they have no idea why anyone would want to hurt him.

Neighbors in the area where Jake’s body was found said it was a quiet night until the discovery was made.

“Heard nothing … it was really weird,” Seth Duran said.

Investigators still aren’t sure if Jake was actually killed along Lakewood Forest Drive or if his body was dumped there.

“It’s horrible to hear that happened. This isn’t supposed to happen,” Duran said.

A cross was placed at the location where his body was found so community members could honor and remember him.

At first, investigators said they thought it might have been a hit-and-run, but later realized he had been shot.

“While traffic units were working the scene, it was determined the victim suffered a gunshot wound,” Harris County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jason Brown said.

Anyone with information about Nguyen or the circumstances of the case is urged to call the HCSO Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100 or Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-8477 (TIPS).

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