Denny Hamlin recently shared an update on his mother’s condition after a house fire on Sunday evening claimed the life of his father and left his mother critically injured. As the family deals with the loss, fans across NASCAR have rallied around the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran with messages of strength and support.
Advertisement
The fire torched Sunday evening at the Hamlin family home near Stanley, roughly 20 miles northwest of Charlotte. Emergency crews arrived to find two residents outside the house with severe injuries.
Dennis Hamlin later succumbed to those injuries at the hospital, while Mary Lou Hamlin was transferred to a burn center in Winston-Salem, where she remains under medical care. Authorities have not released an official cause of the blaze, and investigators continue to work to find what sparked it.
Hamlin addressed the tragedy publicly for the first time on X, acknowledging the condolences he received following his father demise on December 28, 2025. Expressing gratitude while asking for space, Hamlin wrote,
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing. My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.”
The message opened the door for further expressions of solidarity from the NASCAR community. Veteran motorsports reporter Steven Taranto offered his sympathies, writing, “My deepest condolences on the loss of your father, and I will continue to pray for your mother. You and your family have been in my thoughts constantly, and I am wishing comfort and healing for all of you.”
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing. My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 31, 2025
Fans echoed that sentiment in droves. One longtime supporter posted, “Praying for you, your mother, and the rest of your family Denny.” Another added, “Love to hear that your mom’s health is improving, we love you, Denny,” while a third shared, “God bless you and your family, and may your dad rest in peace. So sorry for the loss of your Father. Praying for all your family.”
According to reports, the fire began around 6 p.m. as Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin attempted to escape the burning structure. The blaze ultimately caused the home to collapse. When first responders reached the scene, both occupants had sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
While investigators continue to search for answers, the racing community has closed ranks around the Hamlin family. Hamlin recently made a few comments about his father during an emotional testimony at the opening of a federal antitrust trial against NASCAR, in which he spoke about his father’s influence on his career.
Just weeks earlier, Hamlin revealed that his father, who had made immense financial sacrifices to help his son climb the NASCAR ladder, was battling a serious illness and likely had limited time left. Losing him sooner than expected is another big heartbreak on top of an already painful period for the No. 11 driver.
