Donald McLaughlin III, 37, is seen with his fiance, Alisha, and her son, Moses, in a photo being held by his father, Donald McLaughlin II. The 37-year-old Union City man was shot dead last night in Jersey City.

A father of three was shot dead Thursday night on Central Avenue in Jersey City.

Donald McLaughlin III, 37, who was walking on Central Avenue near Graham Street with his brother, was shot in the back at roughly 8:50 p.m, McLaughlin's dad, Donald McLaughlin II, said this morning at the scene.

"I was inside watching TV and I heard a large thud on the door," McLaughlin said. "My other son, Irving, ran through shouting, 'They're shooting at us!' I took it as a joke, but I noticed spots of blood on his shirt. He said 'I think they shot Donnie!' "

McLaughlin said he ran outside and saw his son on the ground across the street with his eyes wide open, but he was unresponsive.

The 37-year-old, who lived in Union City, was rushed to RWJBarnabas Health's Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, authorities said. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said McLaughlin also had an apparent blunt force trauma injury to his head.

The HCPO said a second man, 26, of Jersey City, was treated at the scene for injuries to his head and body. He was also taken to JCMC, where he was treated and released.

McLaughlin's death is the 16th homicide in Jersey City this year and the 19th in Hudson County in 2017. HCPO spokesman Ray Worrall said no arrests have been made.

McLaughlin said the fatal shooting may have been related to an earlier traffic incident on Bowers Street involving one of his sons. This morning a memorial of three candles was placed on the sidewalk outside the door of the victim's father home.

McLaughlin III was engaged to be married to the mother of his 3-year-old girl, his father said. McLaughlin has two other children, a 17- and 18-year-old who live in Florida.

The 37-year-old was a Lyft driver and was enrolled in a mechanics training program, his father said.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 1:45 p.m. with new information.