NASCAR’s Kyle Busch’s son consoled during heartbreaking tribute following his death

NASCAR emotionally honoured the late Kyle Busch before the start of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, just days after his sudden, tragic death.

In a joint statement with NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, the Busch family shared the heartbreaking news on Thursday (21 May) that the 41-year-old had passed away following a ‘severe illness’.

It’s since been confirmed that the motorsports star’s cause of death was severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.

The emotional statement read: "We are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.

"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."

While a follow-up statement shared by USA Today confirms: "The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.

“The family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."

Tragically, Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha, and the couple’s children, Brexton, 11, and Lennix, four.

The family attended the Coca-Cola 600 in Concord, North Carolina, on Sunday (24 May) just days after Busch’s passing was announced.

The event is an annual 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series points race held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it turned into somewhat of a memorial as the devastated family were emotionally honoured during it.

Before the race began, Samantha broke down in tears and embraced her children during a moment of silence for the late driver, before ‘Amazing Grace’ was performed on the bagpipes.

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell looked at the grieving family as he said, “Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever.”

Turning his attention to the children, he added, “And Brexton and Lennix, your dad loved you with all his heart.

“Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everybody watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand are your family - and we’ve got you.”

As reported by The Sun, one particularly emotional moment saw 11-year-old Brexton be comforted and hugged by fellow racing driver Kyle Larson’s son Owen, who is also 11.

Reacting to the sweet moment, viewers wrote on X: “Kyle Larson, you raised one hell of a kid” and "Just a beautiful show of kindness and respect.”

While others penned: "Sweet young man. That meant a lot to Brexton, I’m sure" and "What a wonderful friend to show love and support the only way he can without words!!"

During his speech, O’Donnell added, “Every racetrack was Kyle Busch’s home. He competed like he had something to prove every single race, when in reality, he had already proven everything.

“What I think we’ll miss the most isn’t the wins.

“It’s the guy who quietly wanted to help a teammate, give some advice, the husband, the father, the guy who quietly did things for others when no one was watching."