Two promising University of Alabama students and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity brothers lost their lives in a tragic house fire while on a hunting trip in Evergreen, Alabama. Mark “McNeil” Mostellar, 21, and James “Walter” Hensley II, 19, both from Mobile, were pronounced dead at the scene around 1:30 a.m. on July 1, 2026.

The blaze broke out at a property off Stowers Timberland Road in Conecuh County. The two young men were among four friends staying at the hunting camp. The other two escaped the flames and were hospitalized with injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Both victims were standout athletes and business majors at the University of Alabama. Mostellar, a graduate of UMS-Wright Preparatory School, played football as an outside linebacker. Hensley, a 2025 graduate of St. Paul’s Episcopal School, was involved in basketball and other athletics. They were active members of Delta Kappa Epsilon, the oldest fraternity in Alabama.

The University of Alabama expressed condolences, urging the community to “carry one another with grace, hope, and love.” Coaches and classmates remembered the pair as beloved friends and dedicated students whose loss has deeply affected the Mobile and UA communities.

This devastating incident has prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with tributes highlighting the young men’s bright futures, athletic achievements, and kind spirits. Celebrations of life are being planned in Mobile.

The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with remote hunting trips and the importance of fire safety awareness, even in familiar settings. As investigations continue, family and friends are focusing on honoring the memories of McNeil and Walter.