Denny Hamlin-linked Gaston County fire stuns — 1 dead, urgent probe
A late-night house fire in Gaston County tied to property owned by members of Denny Hamlin’s family has left one person dead and another hospitalized, officials confirmed Monday as investigators continued to probe the cause. Neighbors said the residence is where Hamlin’s parents are believed to live; authorities have not confirmed the identities of the victims or whether any family members were inside. The county emergency response described the scene as severe and initially withheld many details pending further investigation.
Fire crews were dispatched to a home along Blacksnake Road near Upper Stanley Road around 6 p.m. Sunday. When responders arrived, two people were already outside and were immediately transported to a hospital. Despite rapid action, a significant portion of the structure was engulfed; officials later estimated roughly 40 to 45 percent of the home was burning on arrival and described the property as a total loss. Firefighters from nearly a dozen departments were needed to battle the blaze, and the rural location complicated efforts because the area lacks fire hydrants and crews had to truck in water.
Property records show the four-bedroom, three-bath house on nearly two acres — built in 2015 — is owned by Dennis Hamlin through a company, Won One Real Estate, linked to NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. That connection has prompted widespread public attention, but Gaston County officials reiterated that they have not released the names of the deceased or the injured, and they have not confirmed any familial relationships. Authorities said they expect to release additional information as the investigation progresses, but as of Monday afternoon no cause had been publicly identified.
The incident has drawn concern within the NASCAR community and among local residents as investigators work to determine what sparked the blaze. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and details are limited, asking for patience while they complete initial inquiries and notify next of kin. Media and the public are awaiting further updates from Gaston County authorities regarding the identity of the victims, the fire’s origin, and any additional findings as they become available.
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