Fire Leaves NASCAR Driver's Father Dead and Mother Critically Injured

STANLEY, N.C. – A man has died and a woman is critically injured following a Sunday night house fire on Blacksnake Road near Stanley.

Firefighters were dispatched at 6:19 p.m. and arrived at 1137 Blacksnake Road at 6:27 p.m. to find a two-story home mostly engulfed, with flames showing through the entire attic. Outside the home were the residents, Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, who both suffered catastrophic injuries while escaping the flames. Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) transported Dennis and Mary Lou to CaroMont Regional Medical Center.

Dennis later died from his injuries at the hospital. Mary Lou was transferred to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she is actively being treated.

Due to the extent of fire and resulting structural collapse, the cause is currently undetermined. However, the investigation is ongoing.

Fire agencies that responded include Lucia-Riverbend, Stanley, Alexis, East Gaston, Spencer Mountain, South Point, Hugh’s Pond, North Gaston, Tryonota, New Hope, Union Road, Ranlo, South Fork, and Agricultural Center. GEMS, Gaston County Police, and the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services also responded.

Editor's Note:

Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin are the parents of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. According to a related article on NASCAR.com, Dennis saw potential in his son from the age of 7 when he was racing go-karts. From there, he went on to found a race team to support his son, making financial sacrifices to keep them afloat. Denny, after finding success, was able to return the favor by giving his father a furnished home and letting him retire. Dennis was a large inspiration for Denny, with Denny claiming his father is why he got into racing.