NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s father dies in house fire, mother critically injured; what caused the fire? Here’s all you need to know

Chilling details have surfaced from North Carolina, where Dennis Hamlin, the father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, was killed after a massive fire ripped through his home on Sunday (December 28, 2025). The blaze broke out shortly after 6:19 PM local time at the home.

According to NBC affiliate WCNC, Chief David Toomey of the Lucia Riverbend Fire Department confirmed that the house belonged to Hamlin’s parents. Firefighters in Stanley arrived Sunday night at a two-story home that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic, the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services said in a news release.

However, the home is owned by a company called Won One Real Estate that lists Denny Hamlin as its manager, news agency AP reported, citing local property tax records and a business document filed with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.


Dennis Hamlin’s death was confirmed by officials on the evening of Monday (December 29, 2025). He succumbed to injuries he sustained in the Sunday fire, Gaston County officials said, according to WCNC. Meanwhile, Denny's mother, 69-year-old Mary Lou Hamlin, was "critically injured" in the blaze, the outlet reported.

Dennis and Mary Lou escaped the home

According to authorities, both Dennis and Mary Lou were able to escape the home. Dennis was reportedly transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. According to AP, Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was being treated Monday, officials said.

What was the cause of the fire?

The fire caused the structure to collapse. The cause is under investigation.

Chief Toomey shares key details

Giving further details related to the fire at Hamlin’s home, Chief Toomey said that first responders found 45% of the home fully involved in the fire when they arrived, PEOPLE reported. The home was a total loss, but a number of belongings from inside the home were recovered, he further stated.

Hamlin’s father Dennis was battling serious illness

Weeks earlier, Hamlin said his father, Dennis, who nearly went broke trying to get his son into NASCAR, was battling a serious illness and that he didn't have much time left to live.

“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 The Associated Press.

Hamlin also mentioned his dad in emotional testimony this month at the start of a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR brought in part by 23XI Racing, which is owned by Hamlin and Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and another race team reached a settlement during the trial before jurors deliberated.