Friends and family gathered Sunday night to celebrate the life of Drew Birnkrant, who was killed Friday in what investigators believe was a family murder-suicide, with a candlelight vigil at Valencia High School, where she graduated.

Birnkrant, 20, was remembered as a student, friend and athlete at the Jan. 7 ceremony.

She was a track and field athlete for the Valencia Vikings and later for College of the Canyons, running in 200 and 400 meter events.

“We will always remember Drew,” said one mourner at the vigil. “Once a Viking, always a Viking.”

Birnkrant was described as a loving person, willing to befriend anybody and let mistakes go without holding grudges.

“She would include everybody, no matter what,” said a friend. “She forgave people easily. She had a great sense of humor.”

Another friend said she accepted him despite his flaws, and always made him feel welcome.

“She loved you no matter who you were and where you were from,” he said. “She was never afraid to help you no matter what … I know for a fact that drew is happy we’re all here. She’s smiling down on us all right now.”

Drew Birnkrant was identified along with her mother, Amy Birnkrant and little brother Sean Birnkrant as the victims of Michael Birnkrant, who investigators believe shot his family before turning the gun on himself.

Coroner’s officials had not officially identified Michael Birnkrant as of Sunday, pending notification of his next of kin, but investigators at the scene said that a family of four, including the husband, were killed.

“We’ve also determined this incident appears to be a murder-suicide, where the husband shot and killed all three individuals and then turned the gun on himself,” said officials on scene.

Deputies were called shortly before 7 a.m. Friday to the family’s Saugus home to conduct a welfare check.

While there, they discovered the family of four dead from gunshot wounds.

No motivation for the shooting has been released by investigators as of Sunday.

Anyone seeking information about mental health resources available in the Santa Clarita Valley can click here for a list of resources. There are 24-hour phone numbers available. In the event of an emergency, 911 should always be the first call. Those looking to speak with someone can call:

• 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• 1-800-854-7771 for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
• 1-800-784-2433 for the Treatment Advocacy Center
• 661-259-9439 for the SCV Child & Family Center
• 661-257-9688 for the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project
• 661-263-9371 for Straightening Reins, equine therapy

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