Grandfather of Deep Run student-athlete who died starts nonprofit to honor him

The death of Deep Run High School student and star athlete Gabe Henderson in a boating accident at Lake Anna devastated the school’s community and many others throughout the region.

A starter on the varsity football team since freshman year, Henderson appeared to have a promising career ahead in the sport.

In only his junior year, he had scholarship offers to the Air Force, Navy and William & Mary. Off of the football field, Henderson loved to fish and was known as a friendly influence to those around him.

Since his passing, Henderson’s grandfather, James Safewright, has been working to honor his legacy. Safewright created a nonprofit organization – “LiveLike10,” a reference to Henderson’s jersey number on the field.

“We decided to kindle and help with his memory by doing what he would’ve done, which is help young athletes,” said Safewright. “Not just with equipment but with counseling services and something to look forward to in the future after sports.”

Safewright was adamant that the nonprofit was not just a family commitment but also a community commitment.

The continued support shown by the community for Henderson after his death has made it clear just how influential he was in the community. The Deep Run football stadium became a memorial that students who want closure visit at all times of the day.

“From the students and the outpouring of people who wanted to be there for his memorial, you can see how many people he impacted at the school,” Henderson’s chemistry teacher, Jennifer Krug, said.

One of the only positives for Krug from the pandemic that closed schools in March was a bittersweet one.

“I didn’t have to go to class everyday and see an empty seat because I don’t know if I could’ve handled that,” she said.

To date, the nonprofit has been raising funds through community efforts; students have facilitated the creation of “LiveLike10” bracelets, t-shirts, phone cases and banners, Safewright said.

And since students were the closest to Henderson, Safewright believes they should have a say in what the nonprofit does.

“We don’t want to come up with ideas – we want the kids in the area to come up with ideas that are meaningful to them,” he said.

Safewright hopes that the organization will be able to continue its fundraising efforts and develop more ideas about how to help community members. As part of those efforts, he hopes to attract sponsors to help with funding.

For details and how to get involved with the nonprofit, visit https://gabehendersonlivelike10.org.