By Jason C. Mattox

A Crenshaw man lost a fight for his life at The Med in Memphis on November 28, eight days after an accident caused him to receive burns on nearly half his body.

According to Panola County Coroner Gracie Grant-Gulledge, Willie Hibbler, 63, was burned in an accident with a heater at his home on November 20.

“He basically backed up to the heater and his shirt caught fire,” she said.

Hibbler was transported to North Oaks Hospital in Senatobia in a personal vehicle by his wife Louise.

“She is a hospice nurse and knew that it would take too long for the ambulance to get there from Sardis,” Gulledge said. “She put out the fire and took him to the hospital. He was transported to The Med from there.

“He was burned on approximately 47 percent of his body,” she added.

Cauthen Funeral Home of Senatobia has charge of the arrangements which had not been released by press time Monday.