The Wartburg College community is mourning the unexpected loss of Chelsey Henkenius, a 2014 graduate and Lake City native. She died Saturday, Dec. 27, in a car accident in Lake City.

Henkenius earned her biology degree in three years and was a member of the track and field team. 

“Chelsey was the perfect gift for a coach as a student-athlete,” said head track and field coach Marcus Newsom. “She had a tremendous work ethic as a student, which is evident in her graduating in three years and recently being accepted into graduate school for physical therapy. As an athlete, Chelsey was goal oriented, tough and trained very hard. However, most importantly as a person, she had a true, peaceful, caring spirit about her. Not only was I fortunate to coach her over the last three years, but she also was my work study student during that time. She also taught swimming lessons to two of my sons. I will remember Chelsey for her smile.”

Her visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 30, 3-7 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lake City with a prayer service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the South Central Calhoun High School gymnasium in Lake City.