His family confirmed his "sudden and tragic passing."
May 21, 2026, 6:01 PM
NASCAR champion Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41, according to a statement Thursday from his family, Richard Childress Racing 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.
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"He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans," the statement said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
