A tragic incident unfolded in California as a 49-year-old father of nine lost his life in a suspected road rage incident, with his wife and young children present in the vehicle, according to authorities and relatives.

The man, named Jason Elola by his family, had been celebrating one of his sons’ birthdays earlier that Saturday evening before the fatal encounter occurred, as reported by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.

Following the birthday festivities, Elola, his wife Gabrielle, and their two youngest daughters made a stop for ice cream at Loard’s Ice Cream in Castro Valley on their way home.

“Our family endured an unimaginable tragedy on November 8th when Jason Elola, a beloved brother, husband, father, and friend, passed away,” a family member shared on social media.

“After celebrating his son’s 18th birthday, Jason, Gabby, and their two youngest daughters stopped for ice cream in Castro Valley. It was there that a road rage altercation tragically took Jason’s life,” the post continued.

Angel Elola, Jason’s son, spoke to KTVU, describing his father as a non-confrontational person who was simply trying to safeguard his family following a minor traffic incident.

Angel said a vehicle struck the back of his father’s car as they exited the freeway.

Friends and family mourn the loss of a father of nine, Jason Elola, who was killed during an apparent road-rage incident.  (GoFundMe)

“My dad, the protector he is, wanted to make sure his wife, 5-month-old baby, and 5-year-old daughter were OK,” Angel said. “He got out and wanted to see what the issue was.”

Angel said his father was trying to de-escalate the situation when the confrontation turned violent.

“As he got out, it just happened really quick,” he said, adding that his father may have suffered a head injury, though the coroner will determine the official cause of death.

Beloved pumpkin patch owner Jason Elola was remembered as a devoted father after a tragic road rage death. (GoFundMe)

Gabrielle Elola, Jason’s wife, said the suspect’s dark-colored SUV had swerved into their lane after they exited the freeway.

“When my husband went to get around him at the stoplight, he kept hitting the back of our car,” she said. “We were scared. My husband got out to protect us.”

Gabrielle said she didn’t see the actual fight but saw her husband lying on the ground moments later.

A California father of nine was killed after an apparent road-rage incident took a fatal turn with some of his family members in the car.  (GoFundMe)

“This person didn’t have to take my husband,” she said. “He could have driven away. He could have done anything else but this. … You can’t just take somebody away from their family. We’re never going to get him back.”

Authorities initially arrested 37-year-old Martin W. Davis Jr. on suspicion of murder after he reportedly fled, called the California Highway Patrol’s non-emergency line to report his involvement and then returned to cooperate with investigators.

However, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Davis was released Nov. 13 from the Santa Rita Jail pending further investigation.

A memorial for Jason Elola, the father of nine who was killed during an apparent road-rage incident that turned violent.  (Cori Newton Facebook)

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We encourage anyone with information, including cellphone or dashcam footage, to contact the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 510-667-3622.”

Detectives are asking anyone who may have dashcam or cellphone video from the area around Wilbeam and Norbridge avenues, near the Castro Valley BART station, to come forward.

Elola, a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot operator, was described by family members as the heart of their large, close-knit household.

His son wrote in a Facebook post, “For those of you who are not aware, my father Jason Elola was tragically killed this past weekend. My father was the best man, best father, grandfather, friend and husband. He will be missed deeply by his nine kids, four grandkids and wife.

“My dad taught us all how to love, be compassionate, and selfless. His legacy will live on forever.”

A verified GoFundMe page created by the family calls Elola “the heart of our family — a kind, generous, and loving man who brought laughter and warmth wherever he went.”

“Jason was the friend and brother you could always count on, always ready to help anyone in need and put others before himself,” the post said. “Jason was everything to everyone, and his absence is deeply felt by all who knew him.” 

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.