NASCAR star Denny Hamlin is going through an unimaginable family loss. His father, Dennis Hamlin, has passed away after a house fire at his North Carolina home, as reported by USA Today. He was 75.
Gaston County officials confirmed Monday evening, December 29, that Dennis died from injuries he sustained in the fire on Sunday, December 28, according to WCNC and NASCAR. Dennyâs mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was critically injured in the blaze.
Authorities said both Dennis and Mary Lou were able to escape the home. Dennis was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Mary Lou remains hospitalized in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Officials have not disclosed the nature of Mary Louâs injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire Engulfs Family Home in Gaston County
The fire broke out shortly after 6:19 p.m. local time at the Hamlin family home in Gaston County, according to NBC affiliate WCNC. Chief David Toomey of the Lucia Riverbend Fire Department confirmed the residence belonged to Hamlinâs parents.
The report stated that when first responders arrived, roughly 45 percent of the home was fully involved in flames, Toomey said. The house was deemed a total loss. Fire crews recovered some belongings from inside the home.
Toomey told The Athletic that there were âsome really expensive cars in the garage and some racing memorabiliaâ that were saved and remained âundamaged.â
Massive Fire Response Hampered by Water Shortage
Due to the homeâs size and remote location, between 10 and 15 fire departments responded to the scene. The residence spans approximately 3,700 square feet and sits in a wooded area without nearby fire hydrants, officials said.
According to WRAL, firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours. A local water shortage slowed suppression efforts and complicated containment.
Denny Hamlinâs Recent Words About His Father Resurface
Just months before the tragedy, Hamlin spoke publicly about his fatherâs health and the role his parents played in his racing career.
In October, he told the Associated Press that his 75-year-old father was battling a serious illness. Reflecting on their bond, Hamlin said his father âalways tells me I’m the best, no matter if I win or not, he always says I’m the best.â
Calling his dad âa big hype guy,â Hamlin shared memories of time spent together over the years.
âHeâs got all my old memorabilia, and itâs just good to reminisce. Heâs a reminiscent guy, and right now I am just cherishing those hours that I have with them each week,â he said.
Payers are pouring in for Hamlin’s family. One fan shared: “Oh this is heartbreaking. As a fellow Team Toyota athlete, Denny has always been one of my favorite drivers and such a nice guy in person. Sending prayers.”
Another comment read: “Growing up with Denny, his parents were always so supportive of everything he did to get to where he is today! I can’t imagine what losing his dad & his mom w/life threatening injuries, is doing to himð”
Another one chimed in and wrote: “At least Dennis got to see Denny succeed in so many ways! Itâs heartbreaking ð!! So heartbreaking ð⦠not saying it isnât, but Denny has reached a pinnacle many drivers have not and never will. Heâs not done yet either. Damn! ð¢”
As the NASCAR community reacts to the loss, the focus remains on honoring Dennis Hamlinâs life and supporting Mary Lou Hamlin during her recovery.
The post NASCAR Star Faces Tragic Loss After Father Passes Away in House Fire—Prayers Pour In for His Mom’s Recovery appeared first on EntertainmentNow.