Ashton Blake Roberts

21-year-old Ashton Blake Roberts was shot and killed at a Jack's restaurant in Pleasant Grove on Jan. 13, 2016. His family and the restaurants are raising money for funeral expenses. (Submitted photo)

Family, friends and Jack's restaurants are raising money to cover the funeral costs for a 21-year-old Sumiton man who was killed at the Pleasant Grove restaurant Wednesday.

Kayla Mahaffey set up a GoFundMe account in memory of Ashton Blake Roberts - her cousin, friend and former classmate.

"He had just gotten a new job and was so eager for his future," Mahaffey said.

"This tragedy couldn't have happened to a better young man," she said. "I hope people learn from Ashton's story to never take your loved ones for granted. He was a blessing to our family and will truly be missed. His family would really appreciate any donations during this time, big or small."

Jack's released a statement saying the company also plans to help cover Roberts' family with funeral expenses.

"The entire Jack's family extends its heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of the victims in last night's tragic shooting in Pleasant Grove," the statement reads. "We commend the law enforcement for their prompt and effective action in this matter. Please join us in keeping the victim's family and friends as well as the Jack's employees present last night in your thoughts and prayers."

Ashton loved cars and had worked on them with his dad since he was in elementary school, Mahaffey said. She could call him when her car was having trouble, and, even if he wasn't sure what was wrong with it, he would make sure it was fixed.

"He was a hard-worker who loved to help others," she said. "I know if anyone else was in this situation Ashton would be there to help and make sure things were taken care of."

Roderick Derrell King, 19, was taken into custody early Thursday on warrants for capital murder and first-degree robbery.

King, who is still awaiting trial for a 2014 case where police say shots were fired during a robbery at Burger King in Hueytown, is now being held without bond.

Roberts was standing in line at Jack's on Wednesday night when police say King, brandishing a rifle, stormed the Park Road restaurant and ordered everyone inside to the floor. Roberts, it appears, froze and hesitated, and was shot in the face.

King then turned the gun toward a teenage cashier and demanded money. He fled with an undetermined amount of cash. The entire robbery and killing took just 11 seconds.

Jasper Ford, where Roberts worked, released this statement via Facebook: "Our hearts go out to the family of Ashton Roberts, of Sumiton. He was a young technician with a great future ahead of him. We are inexpressibly sorry to have lost him so early. We will update our page with funeral home information when available."

Jack's also is providing counseling for the crew and individual counseling for the five team members who were working when the shooting happened. In the statement, the company also thanked FBC Church for being on-site Wednesday to "provide spiritual guidance to the employee at Jack's along with the family of the victim."