The family members of a popular church drummer, who was shot and killed by a plainclothes police officer in Florida early Sunday morning, are praying for answers.

Officials say that Corey Jones, a 31-year-old South Florida musician, was driving home after playing with his band when his car broke down near a highway exit ramp in Boynton Beach around 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, reports WPBF. As he was waiting for a tow truck on Interstate 95, Jones was approached by Palm Beach Gardens Police Officer Nouman Raja, who was wearing civilian clothing and driving an unmarked car. Authorities say that some type of "confrontation" ensued between Raja and Jones before the cop opened fire and killed the African American man.

Jones's handgun was later recovered on the ground outside his car, while the new box it came in was found inside of his car, said Palm Beach Gardens Police Chief Stephen J. Stepp.

During a news conference Tuesday night, Chief Stepp also addressed the growing concern about how the well-respected drummer and housing inspector ended up dead when he was in need of a helping hand in the middle of the night.

According to Stepp, Raja believed he was approaching an abandoned car and stopped to investigate.

"As the officer exited his vehicle, he was suddenly confronted by an armed subject," Stepp said. "As a result of the confrontation, the officer discharged his firearm, resulting in the death of Mr. Corey Jones."

However, Raja's car didn't have a dash camera and Palm Beach Gardens officers are not required to wear body cameras.

"No matter what the circumstances turn out to be, his is a tragic loss of life that affects us all," Stepp said, according to the New York Times.

Meanwhile, relatives grieved the loss of Jones.

"I can't explain it. It just hurt, man. It's like a part of me is gone," Sylvester "Tre" Banks III, Jones' cousin, told NBC station WPTV. "Growing up watching him play the drums ... he taught me everything I know."

The Jones family also released a statement describing Jones as "a God-fearing man who dedicated his life to doing the right thing. He lived every moment to the fullest and was an inspiration to many."

The Palm Beach County sheriff's office launched an investigation into the shooting. Raja has since been placed on paid administrative leave.