The sports world is reeling after two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died suddenly Thursday at the age of 41.
Busch had withdrawn from the Coca-Cola 600 after being hospitalized for a severe illness according to his family, but it was reported Thursday that he had died a short time later.
His death comes just days after he won a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Dover, and left the entire NASCAR world stunned.
His family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing issued a joint statement following Busch’s death:
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. 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 shapr 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 Samntha, 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. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and his children Brexton and Lennix, as well as his brother Kurt.
Busch, a Las Vegas native, won championships in 2015 and 2019. This season, he was ranked 24th in the Cup Series standings, with two top-10 finishes in 12 races this season.
