NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s dad dies in house fire

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s father has died following a house fire in North Carolina that also left his mother with critical injuries.

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On Monday night, Gaston County EMS confirmed 75-year-old Dennis Hamlin died from injuries suffered in the blaze near Charlotte. Hamlin’s 69-year-old mom, Mary Lou Hamlin, was injured in the fire and remains in critical condition.

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Officials said both victims managed to escape the burning four-bedroom home, but suffered catastrophic injuries. Dennis was taken to an area hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The fire destroyed the home, per reports. Firefighters had to truck in water due to a lack of hydrants, which slowed efforts to control the fire. It took about two hours to bring the blaze under control, according to reports.

Firefighters were able to save some racing memorabilia and collectibles inside the home.

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Cause of fire not yet determined

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Denny, 45, has not yet commented publicly on the tragedy.

Denny is tied for 10th on the NASCAR Cup Series’ all-time win list with 60 big-league victories, including three Daytona 500 triumphs.

It’s the second tragedy to impact the NASCAR community this month.

On Dec. 18, NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family were killed when a small plane crashed while attempting a landing at North Carolina’s Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday.

Biffle was on the plane with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder and Emma, according to the highway patrol and a family statement. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.