Friends, staff remember Liberty University student killed in car crash

LU senior Porchia Henderson died in a car crash in Alta Vista on Jan. 7

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Porchia Henderson, 24, was just months away from starting the next chapter of her life. The Liberty University senior was set to graduate in May before a crash on Jan. 7 killed the Delaware native. James Hobson worked with Henderson through a school organization. 

"I think it's going to be a tough semester for all of us. She played such a pivotal role. If anyone had a chance to get to meet her, she's the nicest, sweetest, most amazing, most Christ-centered, giving person you'd ever meet," Hobson, staff advisor for Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries, said.

Virginia State Police say Henderson was traveling North on Route 29 in Alta Vista when her Volvo Sedan ran off the left side of the highway and struck a tree. Henderson was wearing her seat belt, but died at the scene. 

"It makes us think about ourselves. In honor of her, how can we continue to live a life that honors the Lord?" Hobson said. 

Henderson, also known as Bubbles because of her personality, had just become the Liberty Chapter president for Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries this past semester. BTG is an on-campus organization that strives to engage with people through love, service, and salvation.

"Bubs was just like, 'Yeah, I'll be willing to do it.' despite her already hectic schedule. As far as I know, she was working two jobs," Jodie Walton III, president of Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries, said. 

Friends say on top of this new responsibility, Henderson was also working at the Jerry Falwell library and a daycare. They say she had a huge heart for children. As her Liberty friends prepare to say goodbye this weekend they say they know one thing for sure. 

"How do I want her to be remembered? Man, as someone who, honestly, for lack of better words, she lived it right," Hobson said.