Overview
- Gaston County officials confirmed Dennis Hamlin, 75, died from his injuries, while Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, is in critical care at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center.
- Fire crews dispatched at 6:19 p.m. arrived to a two-story home largely engulfed; both residents were found outside with catastrophic injuries before the structure collapsed.
- Investigators have not determined a cause, with the probe hindered by extensive damage and the home’s collapse.
- Response was slowed by the absence of nearby hydrants, requiring water to be trucked in and drawing roughly a dozen departments for more than two hours.
- NASCAR and 23XI Racing issued condolences as the motorsports community offered support; records show the property is held by Won One Real Estate managed by Denny Hamlin.