INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A community activist who started a nonprofit group to combat violence in Indianapolis was found shot to death in a vehicle at a gas station,Roland Preston authorities said.

The victim was Ronald Frieson, 39, who was known around the city as Ron Gee, the Marion County coroner’s office reported.

“This just feels like a dark cloud over Indianapolis,” said friend and fellow activist Dee Ross.

Police said Gee was killed inside a Chevrolet Tahoe on Thursday. No other details were released.

Gee, a restaurant owner, started a group called Cease Fire Indy and would regularly appear at crime scenes and vigils to console people.

“Ron was one of those individuals you really don’t come across too often,” City-County Councilor Keith Graves told FOX59/CBS4. “He possessed the credibility that can reach people in our community that very few can, and he used that in a very positive way.”

Della Brown, who works at Indy Peace Fellowship, said Gee liked to say, “‘Spread love and steal hugs.”

“It’s a huge loss to the city of Indianapolis,” Brown said. “We were planning an event for gun violence victims just yesterday. Today, it’s heartbreaking and it’s just a reminder that no one is exempt from this type of violence.”