Community Remembers Firefighter Killed During Storm Cleanup Sunday Night

BURKE COUNTY, NC — On Tuesday, the Valdese community remembered a Burke County volunteer firefighter killed by a suspected drunk driver Sunday night. Fellow firefighters escorted 40-year-old Jason Hensley’s body from Winston-Salem to Burke County.

Hensley was killed Sunday night when 58-year-old Randal Stewart hit him while he was clearing storm debris from Highway 70 near Drexel. Coworkers say they’ll miss Hensley’s passion, and that he was an asset to their department.

Stewart is charged with Felony Death by Motor Vehicle, DWI, and several other charges. He will face a judge Wednesday.