Tragedy struck NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin as his father passed away due to injuries sustained from a house fire on Sunday in North Carolina, authorities reported. Denny, renowned for winning the Daytona 500 three times, has long acknowledged his father’s dedication and sacrifices as pivotal to his racing achievements.

Dennis Hamlin, aged 75, succumbed to the injuries, while Denny’s mother, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, was critically injured during the fire at their Gaston County residence. She remains hospitalized as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered Dennis and Mary Lou Hamlin outside their burning home. Both were swiftly transported to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Mary Lou was admitted to the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where officials have listed her condition as critical. Sadly, Dennis did not survive.

This heartbreaking event for 45-year-old Denny Hamlin follows shortly after his 60th career win in October, a triumph he dedicated to his father, who had been in declining health. Denny emphasized that without his father’s relentless support, such a milestone would have been unattainable.

Reflecting on his father’s influence, Hamlin recounted, “He’s the one who got me into racing, took me to the track when I was five, sold everything they had. We nearly lost our house a couple of times just to keep it all going,” he shared at the October event, adding, “I’m just glad he was able to see 60.”

In a conversation with AP in October, Hamlin revealed his father was grappling with a severe illness, acknowledging that time was limited for them together.

“I know for a fact this is my last chance for my dad to see it. I don’t want him going and never getting to see the moment,” Hamlin said.

The home that caught fire is owned by the company Won One Real Estate, which lists Denny Hamlin as its manager, according to AP, which cited local property tax records and a business document filing with the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office.