NASCAR racing champion Kyle Busch has died.
The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was hospitalized Thursday for an undisclosed illness and died shortly afterwards.
While the tragic news sent shockwaves through the racing world, NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), the Busch family and motorsports organization Richard Childress Racing announced the death Thursday evening but did not share the cause.
“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.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. Kyle, a future Hall of Famer, was a rare, once-in-a-generation talent. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and the fans,” it continued.
Busch’s career spanned more than two decades and was a two-time Cup champion in 2015 and 2019. Additionally, he has 234 wins in all three NASCAR national series.
The statement continued: “His sharp wit and competitive spirit created a deep emotional bond with racing fans of all ages.”
“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,” it concluded.
Kyle Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and two children.
