Steve Helber/AP
NEED TO KNOW
Denny Hamlin penned a message in tribute to his late father, Dennis Hamlin
The NASCAR driver's dad died from injuries sustained in a massive fire at his home on Sunday, Dec. 28
His mom was "critically injured" after escaping the blaze at the Hamlin's home in Stanley, N.C.
Denny Hamlin ismourning the death of his father.
On Wednesday, Dec. 31, the NASCAR driverpenned a heartfelt message on Xin tribute to his late father, Dennis Hamlin, who died from injuries sustained in a fire at his North Carolina home on Sunday, Dec. 28. Hamlin's 69-year-old mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, was seriously injured in the blaze.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences on my father's passing," Hamlin, 45, wrote. "My mother continues to improve, and our family truly appreciates the outpouring of support and the respect for our privacy during this time."
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department/Facebook; James Gilbert/Getty
Denny's note comes two days after officials confirmed that Dennis, 75, died from his injuries, according toWCNCandNASCAR, citing the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services.
Both Dennis and Mary Lou were able to escape the home, authorities confirmed on Monday, Dec. 29. Dennis was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Mary Lou is hospitalized in Winston-Salem, N.C.
The nature of Mary Lou's injuries were not disclosed, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department/Facebook
PEOPLE reached out to the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services for more information.
The flames broke out shortly after 6:19 p.m. local time on Sunday at the home, which Chief David Toomey of the Lucia Riverbend Fire Department confirmed belongs to Hamlin's parents, NBC affiliateWCNCreported.
First responders discovered 40-45% of the house full involved in the blaze when they arrived to the scene, Toomey said. The home was a total loss, he added
Lucia-Riverbend Fire Department/Facebook
The outlet reported that 10 to 15 fire departments responded to the home due to its 3,700 square-foot size, as well as its location in a remote and wooded area without fire hydrants.
It took over two hours for firefighters to extinguish the fire due to a local water shortage, according to WRAL.
In October, Hamlintold the Associated Pressthat his 75-year-old father was battling a serious illness while talking about the sacrifices his parents made for his NASCAR success. Hamlin said his father "always tells me I'm the best, no matter if I win or not, he always says I'm the best."
Hamilin described his dad a "a big hype guy." He also recalled spending time together "in his garage" over the years.
"He's got all my old memorabilia and it's just good to reminisce," he said of his father. "He's a reminiscent guy and right now I am just cherishing those hours that I have with them each week."
Read the original article onPeople
