NASCAR champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41, according to a statement Thursday from his family, his racing team and NASCAR.
“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 statement said.
Earlier Thursday, his family said that Busch was hospitalized and undergoing treatment due to a “severe illness,” and that he would not be competing this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Kyle Busch speaks to the media after winning the pole award during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, on Feb. 11, 2026, in Daytona Beach, Fla.
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images, FILE
The statement on his death hailed Busch as a once-in-a-generation talent.
“He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” the statement said.
His family did not provide details on his illness or cause of death.
Kyle Busch celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway, on Feb. 21, 2026, in Hampton, Georgia.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images, FILE
“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 joint statement said.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on Feb. 20, 2026, in Hampton, Georgia.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images, FILE
“NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon,” it continued.
Busch raced full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, driving the No. 8 Chevrolet.
He won the NASCAR Cup Series championship twice — in 2015 and 2019 — and set records in national series wins. His two-decade career included 234 victories in all three NASCAR national series.
Kyle Busch celebrates with daughter, Lennix Busch, son, Brexton Busch, and wife, Samantha Busch, in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway on Feb. 21, 2026, in Hampton, Georgia.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images, FILE
He is also survived by his wife, Samantha, and two children, Brexton and Lennix.
He older brother, Kurt Busch, is also a champion professional stock car racing driver.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
