NASCAR legend Kyle Busch dies at 41
LOS ANGELES - NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has died.
NASCAR announced on social media on Thursday, May 21, that the racer had died at the age of 41. The news of Busch's death comes just hours after the driver was hospitalized with "severe illness," NASCAR.com reported.
Less than two weeks before the hospitalization, Busch was heard in the FOX telecast asking for a doctor to see him after a race at Watkins Glen.
Busch's racing team, Richard Childress Racing, Busch's family and NASCAR issued the joint statement in response to Thursday's news:
"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 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.
"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."
The official cause of Busch's death had not been formally released to the public as of Thursday.
As two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (2015 and 2019), Busch is remembered as one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history. Busch holds the all-time record for most combined wins across NASCAR Cup, XFINITY and Truck Series with 234. He also won the ESPY for best driver in 2016.
Kyle Busch was the younger brother of Kurt Busch, 2026 NASCAR hall-of-fame inductee and 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion.
This story was reported from Los Angeles. This is a breaking news story. Stay with FOX 11 News for the latest.
The Source: This report used information provided by NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing.