NASCAR champion Kyle Busch celebrated his son's birthday in heartbreaking message
NASCAR champion Kyle Busch celebrated his son's birthday just days before his sudden passing with a heartbreaking final message.
NASCAR confirmed the 41-year-old's death with an official joint statement made alongside the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing yesterday (21 May), 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."
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.
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"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 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."
Just a matter of days before his death, Busch shared a heartfelt birthday message to his son, Brexton, who turned 11 on Monday (18 May).
Sharing a series of photos, he captioned the snap: "Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!
"You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day."
He rounded off the birthday message: "Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish!
"Love you buddy!"
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.
The cause of Bucsh's death is yet to be revealed.
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.
Rhiannon Ingle