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Iconic NASCAR driver Kyle Busch dies at 41
Legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died on Thursday, after being hospitalized with an undisclosed "severe illness." Busch was a two-time Cup champion and undoubtedly a future Hall of Famer. He'd been in the Cup Series since 2004, making 762 career starts with 63 wins. NASCAR, the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing announced his passing, but did not offer a cause of death.
Reactions poured out on social media from fans, influencers and public figures after 2-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch died, according to a family statement that was released on Thursday.
He was 41 years old.
FILE - Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) …
What they're saying:
The Busch family, NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing released a joint statement following Busch’s death:
Fans shared their sadness and shock on social media after the unexpected death.
"What do you mean Kyle Busch passed away," one fan wrote on X.
"Rest in peace Kyle Busch. Gone way too young," another wrote.
FILE - Side by side image of Kyle Busch during qualifying for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15, 2026 in Dover, Delaware. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Fellow racecar drivers also posted tributes for Busch.
Denny Hamlin wrote:
"Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB."
The backstory:
Busch was hospitalized earlier on Thursday with an unknown illness and was undergoing treatment just days before he was supposed to compete at the Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend.
During a Cup Series race on May 10 at Watkins Glen, Busch radioed in to his crew requesting medical aid from Dr. Bill Heisel and a "shot" after the race.
According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the Upstate New York road course.
Busch continued to race and finished eighth.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and reporting by LiveNOW from FOX. This story was reported from San Jose.