The Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office has preliminarily concluded that discarded fireworks sparked the fatal blaze that killed two University of Alabama students at a hunting camp in west Conecuh County, authorities told AL.com Thursday.
How investigators say the fire began
Investigators reported that fireworks, though spent, retained enough heat to ignite combustible material on an ATV where they had been placed. The fire spread from the parked ATV to the nearby house on Stowers Timberland Road, west of Evergreen off State Highway 84, according to the fire marshal’s office. The blaze was first reported at about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1.
Two of four friends who were at the residence escaped and were treated at a hospital; two others were killed and pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal's Office at 334-241-4166.
Victims and community response
Those who died were identified as Mark "McNeil" Mostellar Jr., 21, and James "Walter" Hensley II, 19, both of Mobile and members of Delta Kappa Epsilon at the University of Alabama. Both were business majors.
"To know Walter and McNeil was to know the very best that the Psi Chapter has to offer," the UA chapter wrote on Instagram, saying their loss leaves an "unfillable hole" in the fraternity.
Funeral services for the two men were held this week. Obituaries and remembrances described Mostellar as having an "infectious smile" and Hensley as someone who "never has a bad day," noting both men brought energy and warmth to those around them.
- Date of fire: July 1, about 1:30 a.m.
- Location: House off Stowers Timberland Road, west of Evergreen, Conecuh County
- Cause (preliminary): Accidental ignition by discarded fireworks on an ATV
| Name | Age | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Mark "McNeil" Mostellar Jr. | 21 | Delta Kappa Epsilon, UA |
| James "Walter" Hensley II | 19 | Delta Kappa Epsilon, UA |
Safety and next steps
Officials have classified the determination as preliminary while the investigation continues. Authorities emphasized the role that residual heat from fireworks can play in igniting nearby flammable materials — a reminder for residents using fireworks or handling spent devices to fully cool and dispose of them safely.
The State Fire Marshal's Office is asking anyone with information to call 334-241-4166. The University chapter and local community leaders continue to offer support to friends and family as they mourn the loss.
This remains a developing story. News Block will update as more details are released by investigators and local officials.
