The outdoors community is mourning the deaths of two young University of Alabama students who lost their lives in a house fire while on a hunting trip this week.
Mark “McNeil” Mostellar, 21, and James “Walter” Hensley II, 19, both of Mobile, were killed early Wednesday morning, when a fire swept through a hunting camp near Evergreen. Two other friends who were with them managed to escape the blaze and were hospitalized with injuries but are expected to make a full recovery.
The four University of Alabama fraternity brothers from the Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) chapter were staying at the camp, a rural hunting property not used as a full-time residence, located in Conecuh County. Fire crews responded around 2 a.m. after the fire broke out approximately 30 minutes earlier. Both Mostellar and Hensley were pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembering Two Promising Outdoorsmen
Mostellar, a standout multi-sport athlete at UMS-Wright Preparatory School in Mobile, competed in varsity football (as an outback linebacker), lacrosse, and track. His former coach recalled his strong work ethic, football intelligence, and constant drive to improve. At Alabama, he was pursuing a business degree while active in DKE.
Mark ‘McNeil’ Mostellar | Mark Mostellar / LinkedIn
“He had a motor and that helped him tremendously to make a name for himself and to work,” his former coach Terry Curtis said. “And he knew his position better than even some of the coaches.”
Hensley, a recent graduate of St. Paul’s Episcopal School, was a freshman business major at UA and participated in the Greek Basketball Association. His school community held a vigil Wednesday evening to honor his memory, noting the fragility of life and coming together in shared grief.
James ‘Walter’ Hensley | Walter Hensley / LinkedIn
Both young men represented the next generation of hunters and sportsmen — college students balancing academics, fraternity life, and time in the field with friends. Their loss hits particularly hard in Alabama’s tight-knit hunting circles, where camps like this one serve as gathering spots for camaraderie, stories, and the pursuit of game.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Conecuh County Coroner’s Office, Evergreen Police Department, Alabama State Fire Marshal, and other agencies. No further details have been released at this time out of respect for the families.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of Mostellar and Hensley. Celebrations of life have been announced, and tributes continue to pour in for these two young men who had so much ahead of them.
Rest easy, gentlemen. 🙏
