NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch Dead at 41
The NASCAR community has said goodbye to a legend.
Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the winningest drivers in the sport’s history, has died at 41, according to the organization.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” NASCAR shared in a May 21 statement to X. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.”
The organization added, “Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.”
Indeed, among his many accolades were twice winning Cup Series Championships, back-to-back wins at the Brickyard 400 and being named Rookie of the Year in both the NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.
Kyle is survived by his wife Samantha Busch, whom he wed in 2010, and their kids Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4.
“NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon,” NASCAR emphasized in its statement. “During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”
Other members of the NASCAR community also shared they were “shocked and saddened” in the wake of Kyle’s death.
“Kyle was a generational talent that so many members of our production and editorial teams had the privilege to cover and interact with throughout his incredible NASCAR career,” USA Sports shared in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the Busch family and the entire motorsports community during this difficult time.”
Earlier in the day, Kyle’s family announced he was experiencing a “severe illness” that resulted in him being hospitalized.
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“He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” the family shared in a statement to X. “We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Kyle’s racing team Richard Childress Racing also shared their support for his family.
“Kyle Busch’s health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them,” the organization wrote on X. “Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery.”
For a look back at Kyle’s life in photos with his family, keep reading…
(E! News and USA Sports are both part of the Versant Media family.)
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A Partner at His Side
Kyle Busch had his loved ones by his side for all of life’s most important moments before his death on May 21 at the age of 41. The NASCAR driver and wife Samantha Busch were parents to son Brexton, born in 2015, and daugther Lennix, born in 2022.
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Victory for The Family
Kyle was joined by Samantha, Brexton and Lennix on Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 Racing 208 at Echo Park Speedway in February 2026.
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Girl Dad
Kyle shared a tender moment with his youngest at the NASCAR Cup Series Food City Dirt Race in 2023.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Football Fam
Kyle, Samantha and Brexton hit the stadium to catch a game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos.
Family of Four
The quartet had recently enjoyed a snowy family vacation.
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Sweet Moments
Kyle and Samantha always made sure Brexton was with them for all of their important celebrations.
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Team Effort
From the race track in Texas to his home in Las Vegas, Kyle loved making memories with his Samantha and their son Brexton.
Look of Love
“My forever valentine,” Samantha wrote on Instagram when celebrating the romantic holiday. “Thank you for always making me laugh and live life to the fullest. I love you!”
Future Racer
“Congrats Brexton on a great season at @millbridgespeedway,” Samantha wrote on Instagram in honor of her son’s racing milestone. “We are so proud of you!!! You have grown and improved so much this season to winning your first Saturday Night Series Championship! We can’t wait to see what you do this year!”
Fierce Fashion
Samantha and Kyle opted for cute matching leather jackets.
Fall Festivities
Racing around a track is cool, but so was finding the perfect pumpkin. “The most perfect pumpkins in the patch @samanthabusch @brextonbusch,” Kyle wrote at Instagram. “Fun times at the @bundleofjoyfund play date.”
Winner, Winner
The couple enjoyed a getaway to Las Vegas, with Kyle posting on Instagram, “I hit the jackpot w u @samanthabusch.”
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Baby Brexton
A newborn Brexton joined his mom and dad on stage at the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards.
Fun in the Sun
Life wasn’t all work and no play for Kyle. In fact, he loved vacations with his family.
Magical Memories
Kyle and his family celebrate one of his many NASCAR wins with a trip Disney World.
Cheers to Love
“Hey pretty baby w the high heels on,” Kyle wrote on Instagram when enjoying a romantic evening at La Belle Helene Restaurant in Charlotte, N.C.
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Family Affair
When Kyle won the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pit Boss 250 in May 2021, his wife Samantha and son Brexton took a trip down victory lane in Austin, Texas to celebrate the driver.
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