LAS VEGAS (KLAS) - The Las Vegas community is mourning the loss of Jerry Lopez, a 39-year-old delivery driver and devoted family man, who was tragically killed in a carjacking incident on Wednesday morning. Lopez leaves behind his wife, Karen Lopez, and their seven children, who are now grappling with the devastating loss.

Known for his dedication to his family, Lopez worked tirelessly as a delivery driver while his wife, Karen, homeschooled their children, most of whom were adopted after being fostered through the Clark County foster care system. Lopez had recently celebrated his 13-year-long battle for U.S. citizenship and his promotion at work.

According to Karen, as soon as Lopez came home from work, he would join in the chaos of their household, playing and interacting with the children. The sound of his arrival would prompt the kids to excitedly exclaim, "Daddy's home!" Their home was filled with laughter and joy whenever he was around.

Sadly, that joy was shattered when Lopez became a victim of a violent carjacking incident. On his way to work at around 4:00 am on Wednesday morning, a man in his 30s, who was on a carjacking spree, provoked officers to open fire on him. The suspect had previously shot his own mother in a southeast valley neighborhood before stealing a patrol car.

Lopez was driving the family's white van, the only vehicle large enough to accommodate their family of nine, when he was carjacked at gunpoint. Police reported hearing a gunshot before the suspect dragged Lopez out of the van and ultimately ran over him before fleeing the scene.

Karen, who grew increasingly worried when her husband did not answer his phone, rushed to the scene when she heard news of a shooting. Despite being there for five agonizing hours, it was only confirmed then that her beloved husband had lost his life.

Heartbroken and in tears, Karen recounted the horrific details of her husband's death, emphasizing his kind-hearted nature and selflessness. She shared how their oldest child continued to send text messages to his father's phone, pouring out his love and expressing the newfound responsibility of being the father figure for his younger siblings.

During this difficult time, Karen is tasked not only with the immense grief and responsibility of raising their seven children on her own, but also with the challenge of finding alternative transportation, as their van, now totaled, was seized as a crime scene.

In light of these challenges, friends of the family have launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support to Karen and the children. The funds will be used to cover memorial and funeral expenses, support the family's living expenses, address the children's needs, contribute to an emergency fund, and assist with legal and professional fees.

The Las Vegas community comes together to remember Jerry Lopez as a loving husband, dedicated father, and a man of faith. He will be cherished for his generosity and kindness, and his memory will endure within the hearts of all who knew him.