NASCAR driver Kyle Busch dies aged 41 after 'severe illness' as family issue heartbreaking statement

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 'one of the sport’s greatest drivers', Kyle Busch, has died aged 41 after experiencing 'severe illness' resulting in hospitalisation.

NASCAR confirmed his death with an official statement shared on Thursday (21 May) after the Busch family announced the news.

At this point, the cause of death has not been released, and details remain limited.

Prior to his passing, Busch 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.

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, who turned 11 on Monday (18 May), and four-year-old daughter Lennix.

NASCAR star Kyle Busch has died aged 41 following a 'severe illness' which resulted in hospitalisation (James Gilbert / Stringer / Getty Images)

The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR made the following joint statement: "On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, 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 continues: "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'.

Busch is survived by his parents, wife Samantha, son Brexton and daughter Lennix (Sean Gardner / Stringer / Getty Images)

"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."

Busch's family has released a statement following his passing on Thursday (Instagram/@samanthabusch)

Busch's family previously shared a statement on X on Thursday, before his passing, which reads: "Statement Regarding Kyle Busch from the Busch Family:

"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."

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