NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin’s Father Confirmed Dead Following House Fire, Mother Critically Injured
on Dec 29, 2025
North Carolina Fire Engulfs Home Of NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin’s Parents
A fire broke out Sunday evening (December 28), at a home located in Gaston County, North Carolina. Emergency crews responded to the scene and worked to contain the blaze. Firefighters worked for nearly two hours to extinguish the fire, facing challenges due to a lack of water in the area.
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey later confirmed the residence belonged to NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s parents.
The fire department said the home has been deemed a “complete loss,” although firefighters managed to recover some collectibles and racing memorabilia from the house.
Initial reports by WCNC said two victims inside the residence escaped the fire but suffered catastrophic injuries.
Gaston County officials said the investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Denny Hamlin’s Sweet Relationship With His Parents
Hamlin is a professional NASCAR driver who competes in the NASCAR Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 11 Toyota Camry. He has won multiple races, including several Daytona 500s, and is recognized as one of the sport’s top drivers.
Hamlin spoke about his father, who has been battling some health issues, after scoring his 60th NASCAR Cup Series win a few months ago.
“Yeah, [he’s] just not doing well, not feeling well. He’s the one that got me into racing. Just took me to a racetrack when I was five,” Hamlin said. 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.”
He posted in October that his parents invested everything for him to get where he is today.
Dennis Hamlin, 75, Killed In The Catastrophic Fire
WCNC initially reported that two people were “hurt” and hospitalized following the fire. One of the victims was later reported to have passed away.
That victim has now been identified as Hamlin’s father, Dennis. He was 75.
According to the outlet, his mother, Mary Lou, is in “critical condition” and is being treated in Winston-Salem.
Denny has not yet issued any public comments surrounding the tragedy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hamlin family during this unimaginable time.
