A tragic fire claims the life of NASCAR star Denny Hamlin’s father in Gaston County, N.C.
On Sunday evening, a fire broke out at a home in Gaston County, N.C., about 30 miles northwest of Charlotte. Word spread fast on social media that the home belonged to NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, and that one person had died in the fire while another was injured.
We now know that it was Hamlin’s parents’ home, and sadly, the person who died was Hamlin’s 75-year-old father, Dennis. Hamlin’s mother, 69-year-old Mary Lou, was also critically injured.
The fire broke out around 6:19 p.m. on Sunday. Officials say that both of Hamlin’s parents managed to make it outside but suffered « catastrophic injuries. » Mr. Hamlin died at the hospital, while Mrs. Hamlin is still being treated at a hospital in Winston-Salem.
Officials also say that it took two hours to put the fire out due to lack of water resources in the area. The 3,700-square-foot home was apparently located in a remote area without fire hydrants. Up to 15 fire departments responded to the blaze.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, about 45% of the house was engulfed in flames.
