But Corey’s life wasn’t defined by work. He was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, a hobby he embraced not just for the thrill of the ride, but for the freedom, peace, and connection it brought him. Riding was, for Corey, a way to explore the world, reflect, and commune with nature — especially along the coastal backroads he knew so well.

Beyond his motorcycle, Corey had a deep love for the ocean, often spending early mornings walking the shorelines of Bethany Beach or watching the sunrise from the jetty. He was also an avid fisherman, and those who joined him on his boat or along the banks of the Indian River Inlet remember not just the fish they caught, but the stories he shared and the laughter that filled the air.

“He had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the world when he talked to you,” said Michael Sullivan, a childhood friend. “Whether you were having a good day or the worst day of your life, Corey knew how to meet you there, and he made everything feel a little lighter.”

At home, Corey was a devoted son to his mother, Denise Henry, who shared an especially close bond with her son. “He was my heart,” she said in a tearful statement. “He was the kind of man who still called me every day just to check in, to see how I was doing, to tell me he loved me. That’s the kind of soul he was.”

His sister, Rachel Henry, also paid tribute: “Corey was my protector, my cheerleader, my best friend. There wasn’t a day I didn’t feel lucky to have him in my life.”

Friends of Corey have launched an outpouring of tributes on social media, sharing photos, stories, and memories of a man who lived fully, loved deeply, and gave freely of himself. Posts have flooded in not only from Ocean View and Millville but also from surrounding towns and across state lines — a testament to the many lives Corey touched.

Among the most poignant tributes came from children he had mentored through the local youth sports leagues. A longtime volunteer coach, Corey gave countless hours to helping young athletes learn not just the fundamentals of football and baseball, but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and integrity.

“He didn’t just teach us how to play — he taught us how to be better people,” said Marcus Green, one of Corey’s former players. “Coach Henry always told us that how you treat people matters more than how many touchdowns you score.”

The impact Corey had on his community extended to local churches and outreach programs. He was a frequent volunteer with Meals on Wheels and could often be found delivering food, offering a helping hand to the elderly, or assisting with home repairs for those who couldn’t afford professional services.

In the days since his passing, Corey’s family has received a tidal wave of support — meals, flowers, visits, and calls from people offering prayers, condolences, and stories of how Corey had helped them during a difficult time or lifted their spirits just by being himself.

“Corey was a blessing to everyone who crossed his path,” said Pastor James Merriweather of Ocean View Community Church, where Corey occasionally attended services and volunteered during food drives. “He didn’t need a spotlight. He just wanted to help, to be present, and to love people well.”

Plans for a community vigil are currently underway, and a memorial service is expected to be held at the end of the week. The Henry family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a memorial fund that will support local youth sports programs — a cause that meant the world to Corey.

While the investigation into the accident continues, those who knew Corey say they are choosing not to focus on the tragic nature of his passing but instead to celebrate the beautiful life he led.

“Corey lived his life with intention, with purpose, with joy,” said lifelong friend Dana Cook. “He was one of the good ones — truly. The kind of person this world needs more of. And even though he’s gone, his light hasn’t gone out. It lives in all of us now.”

In remembering Corey Henry, the Ocean View community is not only mourning a life lost but also lifting up a life profoundly lived — one defined by compassion, service, joy, and love. The echoes of his laughter, the warmth of his spirit, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind will endure long after this moment of grief passes.

As the sun sets over the Delaware coast, those who loved Corey will continue to ride on — holding him close in their hearts, honoring him through their actions, and remembering a man who made every moment count.

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