Denny Hamlin Thanks Fans For Their Support After Father’s Death In House Fire
Denny Hamlin on Wednesday made his first public comments since his father was killed and mother hospitalized by injuries suffered in a house fire on Sunday, Dec. 28.
“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,” Hamlin posted to social media.
Hamlin’s father Dennis and mother Mary Lou escaped from their Gaston County home as it was engulfed in flames, but both sustained “catastrophic” injuries that led to his father’s death and sent his mother to a burn center, where she is recovering.
The building was totally destroyed and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The home was built in 2015 and owned by Denny Hamlin’s real estate company.
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Hamlin often talked about how his parents supported his racing despite having “very normal jobs” and modest means that required them to take out mortgages and other loans to keep Hamlin on the track until he made it as a professional. Hamlin, 45, has a two-year contract to continue driving for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan.
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“Everyone at 23XI Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic news concerning the Hamlin family,” the team said in a statement that was issued on Tuesday. “We extend our deepest condolences to Denny and the entire Hamlin family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and his mom.”
The 2026 NASCAR season is scheduled to kick off on Feb 1. with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium exhibition race. Hamlin has not yet indicated if the personal tragedy will affect his professional plans for the year.