GLEN ALLEN, Va. -- Gabe Henderson, a student-athlete at Deep Run High School, died Monday in a boating accident on Lake Anna, a school official confirmed to Lane Casadonte.
Henderson was with three other teenagers on the boat when it capsized, according to the Louisa County Sheriff's Office.
The other teenagers were able to swim to shore.
One teenager's body was recovered from the water Monday night, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries confirmed.
The department would not officially release the victim's name due to his age.
Stars ⭐️ don’t matter ... anyone can get it this season ! pic.twitter.com/JS13JLaHm4
— GabeHenderson (@Gabehenders0n) March 11, 2020
Principal Brian Fellows also confirmed the news Tuesday morning in a message to Deep Run families.
“Today, I am heartbroken to be writing about something that has shocked and saddened our community,” wrote Fellows. “Gabe was a kind, polite, and caring young man who was so full of life, with a smile that lit up a room. Gabe was a hard worker in the classroom and on the athletic fields, recently receiving offers from William & Mary, VMI, and Norfolk State to play football. Gabe was loved by his peers, his teachers at DRHS and other schools, his coaches, our staff, and members of our community, and was respected by his opponents on the football field and basketball court.”
“We have been in touch with his family, who gave their blessing for us to share this message with our community. At the same time, we are also respecting their wishes for privacy under these tragic circumstances,” he continued.
Henderson played football, basketball, and ran track for the western Henrico high school.
This past football season, Henderson was named to the All-Region team after he helped lead Deep Run to a perfect regular season and 11-1 overall record.
Central Virginia's high school football community is sending its support and sympathy to Deep Run High School.
Principal Fellows is providing resources for students and adults as they grieve Henderson’s death.
“While we must still do everything we can to follow current health and safety guidelines that recommend against large gatherings, please know the Deep Run school counseling team is available to students and adults who are, or will be, struggling with this accident and loss,” said Fellows.
DRHS School Counseling Team
Mrs. Jackson (757) 550-0802 jljackson@henrico.k12.va.us
Mrs. Ransom (757) 563-3505 mbransom@henrico.k12.va.us
Mrs. Bien (804) 620-7746 lpbien@henrico.k12.va.us
Mrs. Gallegos (804) 495-3672 smgallegos@henrico.k12.va.us
Mrs. Kaplan (804) 719-1171 lhkaplan@henrico.k12.va.us
“In this time of crisis and social distancing, the impact of grieving alone can increase the chances of anxiety, depression, and complicated grief, so it is even more critical to help facilitate connections for our students and families. Some ‘virtual’ recommendations to assist students and the school community with coping with this accident and/or grieving include: crowdsourcing a digital photo montage/slideshow; writing down feelings/journaling or creating a virtual memory book; creating a memorial page on social media; reaching out and connecting/talking to others through social platforms; singing or playing music together in real time through a virtual platform; dedicating a day to wear a certain color or type of clothing; and placing signage in the window of your home that includes a tribute to the student (e.g. his football number (#10), nickname, favorite saying, etc.).”
Sending condolences to @hornikdeeprunfb and Gabe Henderson’s family . So sad to see such a young man , gone too soon. Was a hell of a ball player and a great kid.
— Alec Eberle (@aleceberle54) April 28, 2020
Our deepest condolences go out to the #DeepRun Football family tonight. The prayers of the Varina community are with you.@hornikdeeprunfb pic.twitter.com/xlccnDXogV
— Varina Football (@VarinaFootball) April 28, 2020
Our hearts and condolences go out to the young man's family, teammates, coaches and friends. @hornikdeeprunfb
— Midlothian Football (@MidloTrojansFB) April 28, 2020
Today, we are all Wildcats. Deep Run, all of the Tigers stand with you.
— JRT Athletics (@JRTAthletics) April 28, 2020
