Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch passed away on Thursday.
He was 41 years old.
Earlier Thursday, the Busch family released a statement on Kyle Bushch’s deteriorating health and mystery illness:
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation,” the Busch family said Thursday morning.
On Thursday afternoon, NASCAR announced that Kyle Busch had passed away.
According to the Associated Press, Kyle Busch was found unresponsive in a racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina, the day before he died.
His cause of death is unclear at this time.
“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,” they said.
A joint statement on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR. pic.twitter.com/7fYGjIqxoJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
The 911 call revealed Kyle Busch was coughing up blood before he passed away.
“I’ve got an individual that’s shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out and is producing a little bit of blood — coughing up some blood,” the 911 caller said.
AUDIO:
President Trump called Kyle Busch a “true talent” and a “legend.”
“The LEGENDARY NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch tragically and unexpectedly passed away yesterday. He was a true talent who loved NASCAR and its fans. Kyle was a WINNER! He was a two time Cup Champion, and holds the All Time Record for WINS in NASCAR’s Top Three series, and even won another just last weekend. Kyle’s wife, Samantha, and their two beautiful children are in our thoughts and prayers. Samantha was at the White House in October, for IVF. She truly loved Kyle! Rest in Peace Kyle Busch. You will always be a LEGEND! President DONALD J. TRUMP” – Trump said on Truth Social.
