Family and friends of Athena Passidakis who was killed in a murder-suicide in Chico earlier this month gathered for a second time to honor her on Friday.
The second vigil was held in her hometown of Redding at Diestelhorst Bridge and saw more than 100 people attend to mourn the loss of 21 year old.
That’s after a prior vigil on Thursday that took place at Chico State where Passidakis was a student.
Among those in attendance on Friday was one of Passidakis’ close friends and co-workers from Olive Garden, where Passidakis was a waitress. Graciela Lazo said she felt a child-like joy when she was with Passidakis.
“Her smile, her laughter – it was just so passionate and genuine,” Lazo said. “It's so hard to be like that nowadays but she never let that bring her down. She was always herself. And to see everyone here, it just shows how much of an impact that she made and how much she cared about everyone.”
Steve Leontis, Passidakis’ uncle, also spoke to the crowd and pointed to photos of her displayed behind him.
“When you look at these pictures behind here, look at the common theme,” he said. “Look at that beaming smile, look at those eyes, and that beaming smile on Athena's face.”
Passidakis was killed by a man she had previously dated after he kidnapped her at gunpoint and led police on a chase that ended in Chico. He then turned the gun on himself.
More photos from the vigil
