The NASCAR great, 41, died on Thursday after being hospitalized with a severe illness.
WASHINGTON — Days before the NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died, he was celebrating his son’s birthday.
Busch died on Thursday hours after his family announced he had been hospitalized with a severe illness. No cause of death was immediately known. The Associated Press reported that on Wednesday Busch was found unresponsive in a driving simulator.
On Monday, Busch celebrated his oldest child’s birthday on social media. It would be his last post before his death.
“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,” Busch said in his Instagram caption. “Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”
Busch shared two children, Brexton Locke, 11, and Lennix Key, 4, with his wife Samantha Busch.
The NASCAR driver’s social media post features photos of him and Brexton throughout the years, even as his son followed in his father’s footsteps. Brexton began racing in 2020.
Samantha also shared a social media tribute celebrating her son’s 11th birthday on Monday.
“11 years of loving you, cheering you on, and trying to figure out how you grew up this fast. 🥹
Happy birthday to my sweet boy. Watching you become this driven, funny, kind-hearted little man has been the greatest gift. So proud of you every single day, Brex,” she said on Instagram. “No matter how tall you get or how fast you drive… you’ll always be my baby. 💚🧡🎂”
On May 10, Busch also celebrated his daughter’s birthday and Mother’s Day. He spotlighted Lennix, his wife and his mother.
“My girls deserve the spotlight today. 💕
Happy Mother’s Day to Samantha and my Mom! Thank You both for the love, patience, strength, and everything you pour into our family every single day,” Busch, also known as “Rowdy,” said on social media. “And Happy Birthday to our crazy Lennix. You keep us laughing, keep us on our toes, and somehow make every day brighter at the same time.”
“I’m lucky to do life with you girls. Love you all more than you know!! 😘,” he added.
Busch’s sudden death came just days before he was scheduled to compete at the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“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,” the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said in a joint statement following his death. “He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.”