NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin‘s father has passed away from injuries sustained in a house fire at the family’s North Carolina home—while the speed racer’s mother remains in critical condition.
The fire broke out on the evening of Dec. 28, when firefighters called to respond to reports of a large blaze with possible entrapment in Stanley, a suburb of Charlotte, NC.
According to a press release issued by the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services, the two-story property had been “mostly engulfed” by the fire when emergency responders arrived, with flames seen escaping from the attic.
Upon arrival, first responders found Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, outside of the property, having both suffered “catastrophic injuries” during their attempt to escape from the blaze.
They were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where Dennis died from his injuries. Mary was transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem and is still being treated for her injuries.
In images shared by the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department, firefighters could be seen fighting the deadly blaze, which took over the home, eventually causing the structure to collapse.
“Multiple departments throughout Gaston and Lincoln Counties responded tonight to the 1100 block Blacksnake Road. Fully involved single family residential home,” the caption of the Facebook post that depicted the fire images read.
“We are thankful for the multiple agency response and ask that the public be in prayer for the affected family and our first responders in fire, GEMs and police. This remains an active scene.”
The fire was so large that multiple crews from various departments were called to help. Despite the large number of firefighters on the scene, the fire took two hours to get under control because of a lack of fire hydrants in the vicinity, according to WCNC.
“The county didn’t have water. This is how you have to deal with it in a rural area, [We had] 10 to 12 fire departments out here tonight, mostly bringing tankers to haul water,” a firefighter told the local news station.
Fire agencies that responded include Lucia-Riverbend, Stanley, Alexis, East Gaston, Spencer Mountain, South Point, Hugh’s Pond, North Gaston, Tryonota, New Hope, Union Road, Ranlo, South Fork, and Agricultural Center. GEMS, Gaston County Police, and the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services also responded, according to a news release by Gaston County.
Although the home was destroyed, firefighters revealed that were able to recover some racing memorabilia and collectibles.
It is unclear what caused the fire. The case is currently under investigation.
The home is owned by Won One Real Estate, which lists the athlete as its manager, according to property tax records.
On Dec. 31, Denny took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to thank his fans for their condolences after he lost his father.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing. My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time,” he penned.
Meanwhile NASCAR issued an official statement, issuing its “deepest condolences” to the legendary driver and his loved ones.
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family. Dennis Hamlin instilled a love of racing in his son, and sacrificed greatly to develop Denny into a world-class talent in the sport. We also continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to Denny’s mother, Mary Lou, and hope for her full recovery,” the driving organization said.
According to property records, the home caught in the blaze featured four bedrooms and three bathrooms. It sprawled across 3,724 square feet.
The tragedy comes one month after the driver lifted the lid on the sacrifices his father made to help him become a NASCAR driver.
While speaking to the Associated Press, Denny revealed that his father was dying due to a serious illness.
“I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” Denny said of his father watching him win a championship, a goal he later was not able to achieve following this season’s final race in Arizona.
According to the outlet, the driver’s father took out several mortgages on his Virginia home and maxed out all of his credit cards to give his son a chance of becoming an award-winning driver.
His sacrifice ultimately paid off as Denny has become one of the most decorated Nascar drivers, having amassed 60 career wins.
The deadly fire came just days after the driving community mourned the loss of driver Greg Biffle, 55, who was killed alongside his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, in a North Carolina plane crash.