Barber in Arizona fights for his life following a brazen attack outside his shop

PHOENIX (NBC, KYMA) - A barber in Phoenix, known as a mentor, a father, and a pillar in his community, is now fighting for his life after a brazen attack outside his shop.

Now, his family is sharing their heartbreak and their hope.

One of the strongest members of a family, Ramel Ross, a loving father, brother and son, is now leaning on those around him after an act of violence left him fighting for his life.

"He is so, so resilient," said Sherri Ross-Mattingly, Ross' aunt. "He was a pillar of the community. Ramel...He was really a good, good guy. He loved his family and friends deeply."

"He just didn't see it coming. He was leaving work, on his way home and he still didn't know what happened," said Rashaun Ross, Ross' brother.

Ross was leaving his barbershop near 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road when someone dressed in all black approached his car and shot him several times.

"He was ambushed and shot twice in the head. He was going home to his family, to his son," Ross-Mattingly shared.

According to court records, the suspect walked away after the shooting and was later seen and heard on gas station surveillance video asking the clerk if Ross was his favorite barber before allegedly admitting to shooting up Ross' truck.

The suspect was later arrested and identified as 36-year-old Gerrin Jones. The family says Ross and Jones knew each other.

"For us, this is a tragedy, a complete tragedy," Ross-Mattingly expressed.

Ross has had multiple surgeries and doctors don't yet know the full extent of his injuries.

"He was talking when he went in, but he started screaming he couldn't see. He couldn't see. The bullet was in the part of the brain for the eyes," said Shandie Ross, Ross' mother.

Ross isn't just a light in his family's life, but also in his community as a barber and a mentor for young men.

"He always took care of his mom. He has a little three-year-old. He's been a very good dad," said Victoria Ross, Ross' grandmother.

"My cousin has a big heart man and he deserves all this help," said Ross' cousin.

Help his family hopes will be returned in prayers for Ross' full recovery.

"You never know how many friends and family someone has until something happens like this. I've been amazed at everyone reaching out saying they loved him and giving and doing," Shandie remarked.

A GoFundMe was created to help Ross and his family. It has a goal of $75,000, with over $15,000 raised so far. If anyone wants to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.