A fire broke out Sunday night at a North Carolina home associated with NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, killing one person and leaving another in the hospital as authorities continued to investigate the cause of the fire, county officials said.
A statement from the Lucia Bend Fire Department said fire crews from multiple counties were called to the scene after the house caught fire. Photos shared by the department showed the main structure heavily engulfed in flames, and when the fire was extinguished, extensive damage could be seen.
Preliminary report: Fire destroys North Carolina home where NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin’s parents lived
At least two people were injured in the fire. Officials initially said the extent of their 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 the two men have not been released.
In a message shared on social media, the Lucia Bay Fire Department thanked responding agencies and asked the public to pay attention to the affected families and first responders. Firefighters, EMS and law enforcement personnel responded to the incident.
Property tax records link the home to a company owned by Hamlin and his father, Dennis Hamlin. As of early Monday, Hamlin had not commented publicly on the fire. He was typically active on social media but had not yet addressed the incident online at the time of confirmation of his death.
Fire officials have not released information on the cause of the fire. Investigators have not said whether the fire was accidental or if other factors are being examined. No timetable has been given for when more details will be released.
The incident occurred at an important time in Hamlin’s racing career. The 45-year-old driver earned his 60th Cup Series victory earlier this year but fell just short of his first championship in November after late-race developments led to Kyle Larson’s season-ending win.
Sunday’s fire came just ten days after a fatal plane crash at Statesville Regional Airport that killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and six others, an incident that has cast a pall over the racing world.
Officials say the house fire remains under investigation and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
