NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41 shortly after being hospitalized with a severe illness.
It was revealed earlier on Thursday that Busch, a two-time Cup champion, was battling a mystery illness.
NASCAR announced his passing in an emotional statement just hours later. No cause of death was immediately known.
‘Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,’ NASCAR shared in a statement on behalf of Busch’s family and Richard Childress Racing.
‘A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.
‘Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41 shortly after being hospitalized
‘Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans.
‘NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.’
The racing organization also announced that further updates and details would be shared shortly.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and his children Brexton, 11, and Lennix, four.
It emerged earlier on Thursday that Busch had been pulled from this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, where he would be replaced by Austin Hill for his team Richard Childress Racing, after he had been hospitalized. No further details of his condition were revealed.
Busch’s illness appears to have come on quickly as his influencer wife Samantha was posting fashion videos on Instagram less than a day before he was hospitalized.
Kyle is the younger brother of fellow NASCAR driver Kurt Busch. He earned NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019, while Kurt won the crown in 2004.
More to follow.
