NASCAR’s Denny Hamlin mourns father’s death after house fire, says mother ‘continues to improve’

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (WJZY) – NASCAR star Denny Hamlin made his first public remarks after suffering a heartbreaking death in his family.

Hamlin's parents, Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were inside their North Carolina home when a blaze broke out on Sunday morning. They suffered "catastrophic injuries while escaping the flames," officials said, and both were hospitalized. Dennis Hamlin later died at the hospital, and Mary Lou Hamlin was transferred to a burn center for treatment.

In a message shared on social media, Hamlin thanked fans and supporters, and shared a hopeful update about his mother.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father’s passing,” Hamlin wrote. “My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time.”

Fire officials respond to a blaze at a home in Gaston County, North Carolina, on Sunday. (Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department)

The loss follows an emotional year for Denny Hamlin. Just two months earlier, he celebrated his 60th NASCAR Cup Series win and dedicated that victory to his father, who had been reportedly facing health challenges.

In October, Hamlin had said that his father — who nearly went broke with financial sacrifices to try 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.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Gaston County Fire Marshal’s Office.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.