WASHINGTON — Former high school classmates and friends of Christopher Barry will gather Wednesday night at Woodrow Wilson High School in D.C. for a candlelight vigil in memory of the 36-year-old son of the former D.C. mayor who died last weekend.
Marion Christopher Barry — he went by Christopher or Chris for most of his life — died Sunday after taking drugs, including K-2 and PCP and becoming unresponsive, according to media reports.
Barry graduated from Wilson high school in 1998.
“He touched the hearts of many he grew up with,” organizers of the vigil said in a statement. “This special occasion will serve as a catalyst celebration in keeping his memory alive.”
Like his famous father, Barry struggled with drug addiction. Barry’s father, who served four terms as D.C. mayor and returned to D.C. government as a Ward 8 council member, died in November 2014 at 78. His son unsuccessfully ran for his open council seat in 2015.
Organizers of the vigil said they planned to celebrate Barry’s “charismatic spirit and cherished memories.”
Friends interested in sharing memories can be added to the program by contacting Dionne Johnson Calhoun at 202-253-8108 or Dyana Forester at 202-277-5553.
The vigil takes place between 7-9 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson High School at 3950 Chesapeake St. NW.
