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What should have been a summer getaway at a hunting camp ended in heartbreak.
Two University of Alabama students were killed after a fire tore through a hunting camp in Conecuh County early Wednesday morning, and investigators now believe fireworks may have played a role in the tragedy.
According to reporting by WKRG, 19-year-old Walter Hensley and 21-year-old McNeil Mostellar, both from the Mobile area, died after flames engulfed the camp near Highway 84 west of Evergreen. Two other young men escaped the fire and were hospitalized with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Investigators with the Alabama Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board determined a propane explosion was not responsible for the blaze. Instead, officials say they’re now investigating whether fireworks may have accidentally ignited the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
As the investigation continues, friends, family and former coaches are remembering two young men whose lives ended far too soon.
Hensley was a former standout athlete at St. Paul’s Episcopal School, where he played football, basketball and golf before enrolling at the University of Alabama.
His former football coach, Ham Barnett, said Hensley was the type of player (and person) you never had to push.
“Everybody talks really well about somebody when they die,” Barnett said. “But when he was alive, everybody talked well about Walter.”
Barnett recalled that after football practice, Hensley and another teammate would often stop by his office simply to “chop it up” and talk about life for an hour.
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Those conversations, he said, are what he’ll miss most.
Perhaps the most powerful tribute came when Barnett reflected on how Hensley treated people.
He said the young man’s kindness challenged him to be better himself, adding that he wants to live more like Walter did because of the way he made others feel.
The hunting community is a close one, and stories like this hit especially hard.
Whether it’s deer camp, a duck blind or a family hunting cabin that’s been passed down for generations, these places are where lifelong memories are made. Sadly, they’re also reminders that accidents, whether from fire, heating equipment or fireworks, can turn devastating in a matter of seconds.
Investigators have not determined an official cause, but the case serves as a sobering reminder that fire safety deserves just as much attention at camp as firearm safety.
Our thoughts are with the families of Walter Hensley and McNeil Mostellar, along with everyone whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy.
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is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.