One Dead, One Hospitalized After Fire at Home Linked to NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin
One person is dead and another remains hospitalized following a large house fire Sunday night at a North Carolina property tied to NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, county officials said, as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.
According to the statement released by the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department, fire crews from many districts were called to the scene after the fire broke out in the house. Photos shared by the department show that the main structure was heavily engulfed in flames and extensive damage was visible once the fire was extinguished.
First report: Fire Destroys NASCAR Driver Denny Hamlin’s Parents’ North Carolina Home
At least two people were injured in the fire. Authorities initially said the extent of his injuries was unknown. On Monday, Gaston County officials confirmed that one of the injured people had died. The second person was taken to hospital. The identities of both individuals have not yet been disclosed.
In a message shared on social media, the Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department thanked the agencies that responded and asked the public to keep the affected family and first responders in mind. Firefighters, emergency medical services and law enforcement were among those responding to the incident.
Property tax records show the home is tied to a company owned by Hamlin and his father, Dennis Hamlin. As of early Monday, Hamlin had not commented publicly on the fire. He is usually active on social media but had not made any comments online about the incident at the time the death was confirmed.
Fire officials did not provide information about what might have caused the fire. Investigators did not say whether the fire was believed to be accidental or whether other factors were being examined. No timeline was given for when additional details might be made public.
The incident occurred at a key time in Hamlin’s racing career. The 45-year-old driver earned his 60th Cup Series victory earlier this year and narrowly missed his first title in November after late-race developments resulted in Kyle Larson winning the season finale.
Sunday’s fire occurred just 10 days after the fatal plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others; This incident had already cast a shadow over the racing community.
Officials said the house fire remains under investigation and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
