One dead in fire linked to Denny Hamlin’s parents' home; other suffering with “life-threatening” injuries: Report

In a tragic incident, Denny Hamlin's North Carolina house caught fire, taking the life of one person while another is battling serious injuries, according to reports. The fire started Sunday evening, December 28, in Gaston County, as fire crews rescued two people from the scene after a call from the NASCAR Cup Series veteran driver's home to the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department.

Multiple other departments from nearby counties joined the response. According to WCNC-TV, the two people were outside when the crew arrived and were rushed to a hospital. Officials confirmed on Monday morning, December 29, that one person has died and another remains hospitalized.

According to the neighbors, Hamlin’s family, including his mother and father, Mary Lou Hamlin and Dennis Hamlin, were residents at the house. However, the authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased or the injured person, who is in critical condition with "life-threatening injuries."

Local fire officials have also confirmed that the home was owned by Won One Real Estate, which is linked to Hamlin, who has yet to make a public statement on the incident.

The property, built in 2015, is a 3,724-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bath house on about 1.76 acres. Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department Chief David Toomey said that the fire led to a complete loss of the structure, with an estimated 40 to 45 percent already burned when crews arrived.

The site was surrounded by trees, which added to the challenges of crews trying to access water and control the fire.

Challenging 2025 NASCAR Cup season and year-end for Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin's 2025 NASCAR season carried extra weight off the track because of his father’s health. He has publicly said that his father, Dennis, now 75, is gravely ill and might not have much time left. He added that the 2025 season might be his father's last chance to see him win a Cup Series championship.

But the season finale at Phoenix Raceway was heartbreaking. Hamlin dominated much of the race and appeared on track to capture his first Cup title, but late cautions upended his lead, and Kyle Larson took the championship instead.

Hamlin said that the loss had left him "numb" after working hard all season. The 46-year-old was also part of an antitrust lawsuit with his team, 23XI Racing, against NASCAR this season, which was settled out of court after an eight-day trial.

Meanwhile, the fire incident at Denny Hamlin's house is under active investigation.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam