After being reported missing because he was absent from work and his whereabouts were unknown, Bert Henderson, Clemson Associate Athletic Director/IPTAY Planned Giving, was found dead near his property yesterday.
The Anderson County Police Department hasn’t released any further details and are currently in the process of investigating the 60 year old’s death. Along with Anderson county officials, Pickens, Greenville, and Oconee county departments were also involved in the search for Bert Henderson.
Henderson started as an athletic trainer in 1978 and went on to hold various athletic/alumni positions that influenced policies and operations within Clemson University.
Here are a few reactions to Bert Henderson’s death:
Pickens County Sheriff Rick Clark was emotional when asked about his friend by Fox Carolina.
"I was with the Clemson University PD for years and we were in a group together, Tiger Brotherhood and things like that. Just a great guy. And the first thing when I heard about this is Bert’s smile. He was always interested in you and what you were doing and how he could make your day better, than he was about himself. I think that will live on through his family forever."
When asked, “What has this been like for you?”
"It’s a great friend lost and a great Clemson…We talk about the Clemson family. But this is it. This is what you see all together. And so, it means a lot to us and we’re always there for each other, and we are going to be there for his family now. And that Clemson family lives on, and we were lucky to have people like Bert in our Clemson family."
Former Clemson basketball player Grayson Marshall posted this message on Facebook.
“Sad day for the Clemson Tiger family. Bert Henderson was found dead. He was one of the people that took care of me as an athlete while on campus and been a friend since graduation. Please pray the peace of God to all he knew and the lives he touched. R.I.H”
It is with a heavy heart we pass along that Bert Henderson was found dead this morning. Please keep his family in your thoughts & prayers.
— Clemson Athletics (@ClemsonTigers) February 21, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the family of Bert Henderson. Loved by so many and a true Clemson man.
— Coach Brad Brownell (@Coach_Brownell) February 21, 2017
Bert Henderson, a true Clemson Gentleman. Rest In Peace my friend. pic.twitter.com/5LsBIFtGhC
— Don Munson (@WDonaldMunson) February 21, 2017
Our deepest sympathy is with the Clemson University family and the family and friends of Bert Henderson during this tough time. #together
— Miss Gamecock (@GamecockPageant) February 21, 2017
RIP, Bert Henderson. A really good guy, loved Clemson. Hard to believe that we lost another terrific person at such a young age.
— Mark Packer (@MarkPacker) February 21, 2017
Remembering my friend Bert Henderson today and the positive impact he had on me as a student at Clemson. He will... https://t.co/oIEarSPgZc
— Elizabeth Maxon (@elizabethmaxon) February 21, 2017
Henderson’s wife, Lee Ann passed away in November, and he is survived by two daughters.