His family announced earlier Thursday that the legendary NASCAR driver had been hospitalized.
WASHINGTON — Two-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch has died following a sudden hospitalization amid a severe illness. He was 41.
NASCAR confirmed the driver’s death on Thursday afternoon.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community,” NASCAR said in a post on X.
A cause of death was not immediately known.
What is known is that Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details have not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family.
Earlier on Thursday, his family announced Busch was undergoing treatment on for a “severe illness.” The family said then that Busch would not attend this weekend’s race and asked “for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Just a few hours later, they announced the NASCAR legend had died.
NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing shared a joint statement on Busch’s passing:
“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. 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.
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.”
Medical call during recent race
During a Cup Series race on May 10 at Watkins Glen, Busch radioed in to his crew requesting medical aid from Dr. Bill Heisel and a “shot” after the race. According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the Upstate New York road course.
Busch continued to race and finished eighth.
One of NASCAR’s most polarizing personalities, Busch had won 234 races across the sport’s three national series, more than any driver in history.
He won 63 Cup Series races, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600.
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