The family of the Rice University student from Baltimore County killed earlier this week in a murder-suicide is remembering her as someone who impressed everyone she met with her “independence and sweet spirit.”

In a statement released through the Houston school, Andrea Rodriguez Avila’s family said it was devastated by the loss of a daughter, big sister, niece, cousin and friend. The statement said Avila, 21, worked hard to transition from the Community College of Baltimore County to Rice and that she dreamed of working for the United Nations.

“She was a loving, caring, humble and intelligent gift to the world who made everyone feel special,” the family’s statement said. “Andrea came to Rice to accomplish her dreams of helping others and changing the world through her career goal of working for the United Nations. Born in Honduras, she lived in Spain and Maryland, where she immersed herself in school activities, spoke multiple languages and was recognized with many awards.”

The statement added that her family wants the “tragedy of her death” to “make a difference.”

“As someone who helped others, we ask that her fellow students and friends help celebrate her memory by caring for others. As grieving parents, we ask other parents to keep communicating with your children about all relationships and pay close attention to all concerns,” it said.

Officials in Houston have said police found Avila and a 22-year-old man dead in her dorm room, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Authorities entered her room after a request for a welfare check was called in and after she missed at least one class Monday. The Houston Police Department said earlier this week that the two were in a “dating relationship,” but Avila’s family said they “strongly disagreed” with that characterization in their statement, writing that “her precious life was lost to horrific violence at the hands of one man who is solely responsible.”

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, the local medical examiner’s office, said Thursday that Avila’s death had been classified as a homicide by multiple gunshot wounds. His death was ruled a suicide by gunshot wound of the head, the officials said.

It’s expected that there won’t be any arrests made in the murder-suicide, but Houston Police said its investigation would remain open in case there is new information.

Rice University officials previously said Avila was majoring in political science and was pre-law. At the school, she served as deputy parliamentarian for the Rice Student Association, as a peer academic advisor and as a member of the school’s Honor Council.

She previously lived in Nottingham in eastern Baltimore County and graduated from Perry Hall High School. At the Community College of Baltimore County, she was involved in a mentor program, an honors society and the multicultural students association.

The community college remembered her as a “beloved member of the CCBC Class of 2023.”

“Andrea was a passionate leader, an exceptional scholar, and a mentor to many,” said Hope H. Davis, CCBC’s spokeswoman. “Her infectious smile and unwavering determination inspired all who knew her.”

The school is planning a candlelight vigil for her at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the school’s Essex Campus. An Instagram post about the event said it would be a gathering “to remember, share memories and draw strength as a community.”