NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is mourning the death of his father after a devastating house fire at the family home in North Carolina.
Gaston County officials confirmed on Tuesday that Dennis Hamlin, 75, died from injuries sustained in the blaze.
Hamlin’s mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, remains in critical condition and is receiving specialist treatment.
The fire broke out on Sunday evening and destroyed the home, which emergency crews later described as a total loss.
Fire crews battled intense blaze
Emergency services responded shortly after 6.20pm local time. By the time firefighters arrived, flames had already spread through a large section of the property.
Officials said nearly half of the house was fully involved when crews reached the scene. Two people were found outside the home and taken to hospital with smoke-related injuries.
Firefighters from up to 15 departments worked for more than two hours to bring the blaze under control. A lack of nearby fire hydrants slowed efforts, according to local officials.
Lucia Riverbend Fire Department chief David Toomey said crews faced difficult conditions and confirmed that the home could not be saved.
Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the fire. An investigation remains ongoing.
Family ties and declining health
Hamlin had spoken openly earlier this year about his father’s declining health and the role Dennis played in his racing career.
After recording his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series victory in Las Vegas in October, Hamlin dedicated the win to his father and reflected on the sacrifices that helped launch his journey.
“[Dennis is] the one that got me into racing,” Hamlin said at the time.
“Just took me to a race track when I was 5, then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going. Sold everything they had.
“We almost lost our house a couple times. Just tried to keep it all going. So I’m glad he was able to see 60. That was super important to me.”
Hamlin yet to comment publicly
Hamlin has not issued a public statement since the confirmation of his father’s death.
The 45-year-old remains one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, with 60 Cup Series wins. He drives the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owns 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan.
The tragedy comes during the off-season, with the NASCAR world already reeling from recent losses across the sport.
