(Photo via Facebook)

Friends and community members plan to gather outside of Woodrow Wilson High School tonight to remember Christopher Barry, the son of the late Marion Barry.

The 36-year-old Christopher Barry died early on Sunday of an apparent drug overdose.

Growing up in the shadow of the mayor for life, he attempted to create his own legacy in D.C. politics. But after a failed attempt at winning a special election for his father’s old D.C. Council seat, the younger Barry focused his attention on his construction company.

Like the late mayor, Barry had a history of drug usage. In 2011, police charged him with possession of marijuana and PCP, and he was sentenced to 18 months probation. Two years later, police arrested and charged him with driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.

Former Ward 1 Councilman Jim Graham told WTOP that he and Barry attended drug recovery sessions together for at least five years, but the 36-year-old “never really dove into” the program. “If he’d done that maybe there would be a different conclusion today,” Graham said. “Something very, very good has been lost here.”

This evening, alumni and others affiliated with Barry’s alma mater plan to light candles and remember him.

The gathering will be held in front of Woodrow Wilson High School (3950 Chesapeake St NW) from 7-9 p.m.