NASCAR legend Kyle Busch dead at 41 after ‘severe illness’

Legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch has sadly died at the age of 41.

NASCAR officially announced his death on Thursday (May 21), just hours after his family said he was hospitalized for an undisclosed but ‘severe illness’.

"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," a statement read, on behalf of NASCAR, Kyle’s family and Richard Childress Racing.

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement continued. "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."

News of Kyle Busch's death was announced on Thursday (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

It went on to say: "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.’

"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."

The statement then concluded with a request for privacy while the family and those who knew Busch best mourn the loss of a beloved, father, husband and dear friend. A cause of death was not shared.

The heartbreaking news of Busch’s passing comes just hours after his family revealed he had been admitted to hospital, and would miss two upcoming races in North Carolina.

The racing icon had been due to compete at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the speedway in Concord on May 22 and on May 24 at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

He was a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (James Gilbert/Getty Images)

"Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization," the Busch family said. "He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation."

While no further details were given regarding the nature of his illness, the news that he was unwell comes just two weeks on since he requested medical attention during a race on May 10, in which he was described as having a ‘sinus cold’.

Tributes have been flooding in for Busch, with his former teammate Denny Hamlin writing on X: "Absolutely cannot comprehend this news.

"We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB."

While NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski penned: "I made him earn every victory and stole a few from him along the way. We took our shots at each other, in the media and on the track. But I’d like to think that somewhere deep down there was an appreciation that we pushed each other to perform at the highest level, even if neither of us would’ve admitted it.

"Tonight, I feel a little like the coyote with no more roadrunner to chase. His loss is all of our loss, but none more so than his family’s. Thinking of Samantha, and Brexton and Lennix who lost their father today."

He is survived by his wife of five years Samantha and their two children (David Jensen/Getty Images)

Born in Las Vegas on May 2, 1985, Busch was bitten by a love for racing at an early age, likely bolstered by his father, a mechanic, and his older brother, Kurt, who himself is also a NASCAR driver.

He began his professional career in the early 00’s and soon became one of the most sought-after drivers on the NASCAR circuit, swiftly racking up a number of victories which continued into the 2010s when he won the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2015 and 2019.

Thanks to his career on the track, NASCAR included Busch on its list of 75 greatest drivers in 2023 - cementing his place in history as a true racing legend.

Earlier this month, Busch spoke to FOX8 about the Cup Series and the future of the sport.

"All records are made to be broken, right? So maybe it’ll stick around for a long, long time. Maybe somebody out there one day will break it. Maybe I’m training that young guy that’s going to break it, my son Brexton," he said.

Busch is survived by his wife of five years, Samantha, and their two children, son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, four.