NASCAR star Kyle Busch's eerie message after final win before death at 41 following 'severe illness'

NASCAR star Kyle Busch died on Thursday (21 May) after being hospitalised due to a 'severe illness'.

Before his passing, the 41-year-old was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday (20 May) when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.

NASCAR confirmed the driver's death with an official joint statement made alongside the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing yesterday, which 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."

NASCAR star Kyle Busch died following a 'severe illness' on Thursday (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

The statement continued: "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."

Busch shared a touching message to his fans after his final win just a week before he died (Sean Gardner / Stringer / Getty Images)

The joint statement concluded: "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’s most recent win came just a week ago in the Truck Series race at Dover.

True to 'Rowdy' form, Busch controlled the day, leading 147 laps before delivering his trademark bow to the crowd after the chequered flag.

"Why do these moments never get old, Kyle?" he was asked after the race. Reflecting on the win, Busch told Fox Sports: "Because you never know when the last one is."

The cause of Bucsh's death is yet to be revealed.

Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and two children, 11-year-old son Brexton and four-year-old daughter Lennix (Instagram/@samanthabusch)

He was set to compete at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina this weekend.

However, Busch's family shared a statement on X on Thursday, before his passing, which read: "Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalisation. 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.

Busch is survived by his parents and his wife, Samantha, whom he married on New Year’s Eve in 2010, and two children, son Brexton and four-year-old daughter Lennix.