The NASCAR community is mourning the death of Dennis Hamlin, the father of Denny Hamlin, after a house fire in Gaston County, North Carolina. The fire happened late Sunday night at the family’s two-story home near Stanley. Dennis Hamlin was 75.
Emergency crews found Dennis and his wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, outside the home after they escaped the fire. Both suffered severe injuries. Dennis later died at a nearby hospital. Mary Lou remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment at a burn center.
Fire details and emergency response
Gaston County Emergency Medical Services confirmed that the fire was reported late Sunday evening. When firefighters arrived, the home was already engulfed in heavy flames and smoke. Crews worked to control the blaze, but the house suffered major damage.
Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin managed to get out of the home before crews arrived. Paramedics treated both at the scene and transported them for emergency care. Dennis later died from his injuries.
Mary Lou was first taken to a local hospital before doctors transferred her by helicopter to the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem. Hospital officials said she remains in intensive care.
Investigators are still examining the scene. Officials have not said whether smoke alarms or other safety devices were involved.
NASCAR and Denny Hamlin receive support after tragedy
NASCAR released a statement honoring Dennis Hamlin and his role in his son’s career.
“NASCAR extends its deepest condolences to Denny Hamlin and the entire Hamlin family, the statement said.” “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.”
23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, also shared a message.
“Everyone at 23XI Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic news concerning the Hamlin family, the team said.” “We extend our deepest condolences to Denny and the entire Hamlin family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and his mom.”
Hamlin has not released a personal statement as of Tuesday morning.
Support from the racing community
Drivers and teams across NASCAR have shared messages of support. Joey Logano posted his condolences on social media.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Denny Hamlin, Logano wrote.” “Such a horrific situation. The Logano family will continue to think of and pray for everyone impacted and we’ll pray for Mary Lou and hope the best for her full recovery.”
Dennis Hamlin played a key role in his son’s racing career. He worked as a mechanic and helped build cars during Denny’s early years. He and Mary Lou traveled with him to tracks across the Southeast as Denny moved through the racing ranks.
Denny Hamlin made his Cup Series debut in 2005 and has since won 51 races, including three Daytona 500 victories. His parents remained a steady presence throughout his career.
As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on Mary Lou Hamlin’s recovery. The NASCAR community continues to rally around the family during a difficult time.
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