The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died on May 21, just hours after his family revealed he was hospitalized with a “severe illness.” He was 41.
Kyle’s family, NASCAR, and Richard Childress Racing released a joint statement after his passing, which read, “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.”
The post continued, “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.'”
The organization asked for privacy during the “incredible difficult time,” adding, “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.”
Kyle’s family did not disclose further details about his condition at the time, but an anonymous source claimed he was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on May 20 when he became unresponsive. He was then taken to a hospital in Charlotte.
One week later, his death certificate, obtained by The Associated Press, confirmed he died from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after developing sepsis as a complication of bacterial pneumonia. His manner of death was listed as natural.