The 63-year-old man found shot to death in his car Tuesday afternoon about a half-mile from his home was the transportation director for the Falcon 49 School District in the Colorado Springs area.

“We’re really reeling from this loss,” Matt Meister, who oversees the school district’s communications, said Thursday morning. “Gene was someone whose heart walked into a room before he did. He was a man of integrity. He didn’t take himself too seriously.”

Richard “Gene” Hammond left his home near the intersection of Bruce Randolph Avenue and York Street sometime between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. to drive to his job in El Paso County. He never made it to work, and his body was found at about 4 p.m., police spokesman Sonny Jackson said.

Hammond — whose death has been ruled a homicide — and his vehicle were in an alley near East 37th Avenue and York Street.

Hammond was driving his silver 2012 Subaru Impreza sedan.

Hammond began working for the Falcon 49 School District in July 2012. According to Meister, a close friend, the 63-year-old lived in Denver when he started the position. He had a family.

“We’re hurting a lot to hear of his passing,” Meister said. “I really can’t say enough about him. It’s a significant loss.”

Denver police have released few details on the case. No arrests in Hammond’s death had been announced as of Thursday morning.

The Denver medical examiner’s office says Hammond died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Police are asking for anyone who might have seen Hammond or his car between 3:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Tuesday to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and are eligible for a reward up to $2,000.