NASCAR fans are mourning the sudden death of Kyle Busch with an outpouring of support for his family.
On Thursday afternoon, NASCAR announced Busch’s passing in a statement posted on social media. “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,” the statement said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
Busch was set to miss the NASCAR race this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway due to “a severe illness resulting in hospitalization”, according to a statement issued on social media by the driver Thursday morning. While it is unsure what Busch was battling, it’s clear his condition worsened as the day progressed.
Busch was a two-time NASCAR Cup champion and is survived by his wife Samantha, his son Brexton Locke and his daughter Lennix Key.
After the news of Busch’s death made it to social media, NASCAR fans from across the world were heartbroken and distraught over the tragedy.
Shocking. Literally don’t have the words. A legend gone way too soon. https://t.co/psqa6edFwJ
— Eric Estepp (@EricEstepp17) May 21, 2026
A generational talent. A fierce competitor. A father. A husband. A brother. A son.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Samantha, their children, and all who knew and loved Kyle Busch.
It was an honor to share the track with you, KB. https://t.co/89wjMYXoRr
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) May 21, 2026
No words. Here for the family. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/6DH28mvqSk
— Marco Andretti (@MarcoAndretti) May 21, 2026
Stunned. https://t.co/jx8yqNvJTU
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) May 21, 2026
Wow. RIP Rowdy.
Very sad day. Prayers for his family and loved ones. https://t.co/lMlpMD8Afy
— Landon Huffman (@LandonHuffman) May 21, 2026
I can’t put into words right now. Prayers for Samantha and the entire Busch family. https://t.co/iZ61gAcyVJ
— Wendy Venturini (@WendyVenturini) May 21, 2026
What utterly unfathomable and tragic news. Completely stunned. All thoughts and love with his countless friends and adoring family. https://t.co/EUcVcuehiB
— Will Buxton (@wbuxtonofficial) May 21, 2026
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Kyle Busch’s tragic death broke the hearts of NASCAR fans