An online report has circulated claiming that two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died suddenly at 41, alongside excerpts from what was described as a family statement and messages attributed to those close to the sport.
According to the report, the death was said to have been confirmed on Thursday (May 21) via a joint statement involving his family and NASCAR, after earlier claims that Busch had been hospitalized with a serious illness. No cause of death was provided in the account.
The report quoted the statement as saying: “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.”
In the same account, Busch was described as a ‘future Hall of Famer’ and a ‘rare talent’ that only comes around ‘once in a generation’. It also claimed he was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR’s top division at the time, with two Cup Series titles and 63 race wins.
The statement excerpt included additional praise: “He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” and concluded: “NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon,” the report said.
It further claimed Busch was survived by his wife, Samantha Busch, and their two children, Brexton and Lennix.
The same write-up pointed to a recent Instagram post it said Busch shared for his son’s birthday, quoting: “Happy Birthday Brexton!!!,” followed by: “Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day. Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”
It also alleged Busch sought medical attention during a race at Watkins Glenn on May 10 due to a ‘substantial cough’, and said he had won a race less than a week before the reported death.
In that context, the report highlighted remarks attributed to Busch after what it described as his final victory: “You never know when the last one is,” along with: “But, you know, here with the truck stuff right now, it’s awesome just to be a part of Spire Motorsports.”
Finally, the report said reactions poured in from across the NASCAR world, including a message attributed to Denny Hamlin: “Absolutely cannot comprehend this news,” and: “We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.”
It also quoted Brad Keselowski as writing: “Absolute shock. Very hard to process.”