A 28-year-old Marine Corps veteran was found dead from a gunshot wound late Thursday on the side of a road in Harris County, Texas, authorities said.
Deputies initially thought Quoc Nguyen had been struck in a hit-and-run after a driver spotted him unresponsive around 11 p.m. on the side of the road, according to a sheriff’s office press release. Investigators later determined Nguyen had been shot, and are still working to determine whether he was killed at the scene or left there. (RELATED: ‘Oh My God’: Horrifying Footage Of Train Stabbing Shows Passengers Trying To Help Victim)
Nguyen’s older brother, Matthew, told ABC 13 News his sibling was a Marine veteran who cared for their disabled mother and younger relatives, describing him as “truly a family guy.”
“He had a demeanor where he was laid back and enjoyed family time,” he said. “Any time we would have something, he was usually the first person to respond and let everybody know he was down and always dependable. He came through at any request, so he was truly a family guy, and I felt like he held the mold together.”
A family is seeking justice after 28-year-old Marine veteran Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen was shot and killed while driving for Uber in NW Harris County. Deputies say he was found lying on the side of the road. At this time, no arrests have been made. #FOX26 pic.twitter.com/Yxg3IQALu5
— Jillian Hartmann (@JillianFOX26) September 9, 2025
Matthew said his brother had been driving for Uber the night he was killed. Quoc picked up a rider and dropped him off downtown, but never checked in afterward, Matthew told Fox 26 Houston. Uber confirmed that was the last record of him on the app. His car has not been found.
A GoFundMe campaign launched for Nguyen’s family has raised more than $36,000 to cover funeral expenses. He had been studying to become an EMT, the outlet reported.