House Fire Claims Life of Denny Hamlin’s Father

RALEIGH, N.C. — A house fire in Stanley, North Carolina, has claimed the life of the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and left his mother critically injured, according to officials.

Emergency crews were called to a two-story home Sunday evening after reports of a fire that quickly spread throughout the structure. When firefighters arrived, the home was heavily involved, with flames visible in multiple areas.

Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the residence suffering from severe injuries as they attempted to escape the fire. Dennis Hamlin was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to a regional burn center, where she remains in critical condition.

The fire caused extensive damage to the home, which partially collapsed during the response. Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Denny Hamlin, a longtime NASCAR Cup Series driver and team owner, has not released a public statement. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from across the racing community as the family mourns the loss and continues to hope for Mary Lou Hamlin’s recovery.