At a Glance
- Dennis Hamlin, 75, died after a fire at his home in Stanley, North Carolina.
- Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was critically injured and hospitalized.
- The fire, which collapsed the two-story house, is still under investigation.
Why it matters: The tragedy struck NASCAR star Denny Hamlin and shocked the racing community.
The fire broke out Sunday night, engulfing a two-story home near Stanley, about 20 miles northwest of Charlotte. Firefighters found the building mostly consumed, with flames visible through the attic.
Dennis Hamlin and Mary Lou Hamlin were discovered outside the house, suffering catastrophic injuries. Dennis later died at a hospital, while Mary Lou was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem.
The structure collapsed during the blaze, and officials said the cause remains under investigation.
The house is owned by Won One Real Estate, which lists Denny Hamlin as its manager according to property tax records and a business filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.
Representatives for Hamlin had not responded to requests for comment as of Monday evening.
| Person | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dennis Hamlin | 75 | Deceased |
| Mary Lou Hamlin | 69 | Critically injured |
Denny Hamlin is a prominent driver in NASCAR’s top circuit, with 60 Cup Series victories, including three Daytona 500 wins. The 45-year-old driver for Joe Gibbs Racing has yet to capture a Cup points championship, having fallen short at the season-ending race in Arizona last month.
Weeks earlier, Hamlin revealed that his father, who had nearly gone broke to support his racing career, was battling a serious illness and had limited time left. He said:
Denny Hamlin stated:
> “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,” Hamlin told News Of Fort Worth.
Hamlin also mentioned his father during emotional testimony at the start of a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR, brought in part by 23XI Racing, owned by Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan. NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports reached a settlement before jurors deliberated.
Key Takeaways
- Denny Hamlin’s father died, and his mother is critically injured after a home fire.
- The fire caused the collapse of the two-story house in Stanley, NC.
- The incident has deeply affected the NASCAR community and remains under investigation.
Megan L. Whitfield reported from Memphis, Tennessee.
The tragedy underscores the sudden loss that can strike even the most celebrated figures in sports.
