ANDERSON, S.C. – The Anderson University community is mourning the loss and has extended its condolences to the family, friends and teammates of men's golfer Caleb Henson, who passed away overnight Monday.
Anderson President, Dr. Evans Whitaker, shared the news with the AU family on Tuesday, and asked everyone to keep the family, friends and teammates of the student in their thoughts and prayers.
In his email, Dr. Whitaker said "it is with deep sadness that I share with you that Anderson University has experienced a tremendous loss of a very fine student and person, Mr. Caleb Henson of Lancaster, S.C. He died in his apartment at Ashley Park in Anderson sometime this morning.
Caleb was a junior marketing major and valuable member our men's golf team. He was an accomplished athlete and a strong student. His fellow teammates and friends describe him as a winsome and positive friend to many on our campus and beyond.
This afternoon, his parents, Rev. Cliff and Mrs. Anne Henson traveled from their home in Lancaster and met with several members of both the men's and women's golf teams, coaching staff, and several other parents. Diane and I were privileged to join them as we expressed the AU Family's love and prayers for them during this time of great pain and sorrow over the loss of their only child. They are an amazingly strong and graceful couple, who in the face of this awful tragedy, place their faith and future in God and thank him for the blessing of the twenty years they had with Caleb. To our astonishment, Rev. Henson led the group in a concluding prayer of thanksgiving and comfort for the golf teams and for the entire University.
At this time, we do not have any details about memorial arrangements for Caleb as those decisions are yet to be made. When we have them, we will update the campus. For now, may I just ask that you pray for Rev. and Mrs. Henson, for Caleb's many teammates and friends across campus? Our hearts ache for all of these, especially Caleb's loving and devoted parents.
Dr. Whitaker went on to note, "finally, it is normal during the loss of an especially young person and someone we appreciate so much for individuals to experience unusual emotions. Any student who is experiencing grief or other unusual emotions may speak with a staff counselor for encouragement and support during this time."
The AU counseling team, led by Erin Maurer, Director of Counseling, has been made available to assist fellow students, staff and faculty. Her email is emaurer@andersonuniversity.edu.
