Government MP Glen Smith has paid tribute to shooting victim Jahni Outerbridge, describing the 31-year-old Cedar Park resident as a “kind and humble soul”.

Mr Smith told The Royal Gazette he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear Mr Outerbridge had been murdered outside the Mid-Atlantic Boat and Sports Club late on Sunday night.

The Parliamentarian visited Mr Outerbridge’s mother and sisters at the family’s Devonshire home yesterday morning to extend condolences and provide support.

“I first met Jahni in 2012 while I was canvassing the area for the election,” Mr Smith said. “He helped me and my campaign and provided me with a great perspective of what young people in that area were thinking.

“He introduced me to people who lived in the constituency and we formed a friendship and a bond.”

Over the years Mr Smith often called on Mr Outerbridge to do small IT projects at his business, Auto Solutions, and the pair remained close friends.

“He was in my office just last Thursday, helping me with a project,” Mr Smith said. “I really could not believe it when I was told what happened to him on Sunday night.

“I feel absolutely numb and very, very sad. I never imagined him getting mixed up in any of this gun crime that we are seeing.

“Jahni was a talented young man. He was always willing to sit and listen, but also equally willing to provide his opinion on a matter.

“He was a popular and respected guy up in Cedar Park, and I’m sure the whole area will be mourning his loss right now. My heart goes out to his family. They are obviously devastated.”

Police were called to the car park of the Mid-Atlantic Boat and Sports Club on Sunday at 11.20pm after several 911 reports that a man had been shot.

Officers and EMTs tried to provide first aid to Mr Outerbridge at the scene before he was rushed to hospital where he died of his injuries.

Detectives have since launched a murder investigation into his death.

Mr Smith added: “From what I knew of Jahni he was a very trustworthy and honest man. It is very hard to believe that he died in these circumstances.”