The sports world is mourning the shocking sudden death of 41-year-old NASCAR legend Kyle Busch.
According to the Associated Press, Busch was using the Chevrolet simulator in Concord, North Carolina, Thursday when he became unresponsive and was taken to a hospital. His family initially released a statement saying Busch would not be competing in this week’s Coca-Cola 600.
“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,” it read. “We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Less than eight hours later, NASCAR, his family, and his racing team released a joint-statement announcing his passing:
“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 read. “Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. 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.”
His death came 11 days after he told his crew over radio near the end of a race in New York that he needed a doctor to give him a “shot.” According to reports, Busch had been suffering from sinus issues that were made worse by the G-forces and elevation of the course. He came in eighth place that day and was healthy enough last weekend to win the Truck Series event in Dover, Delaware.
Life & Career
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and their two children, 11-year-old son Brexton and four-year-old daughter Lennix. There has been an outpouring of tributes in the wake of his heartbreaking passing, with the Nascar community remembering him as one of the best.
A two-time Cup Series champion who won more races across the three national series than anyone else in history, Busch was known as “Rowdy” and “Wild Thing” for his post-race fights and feuds with other drivers.
While Busch didn’t always get along with his fellow drivers, he always showed appreciation for his fans. And despite all his success, he never took winning for granted. Just last week, in a comment that now seems prescient, Busch spoke about why winning never gets old.
REPORTER: Kyle Busch, your sixty-ninth victory in this series, your fifth right here. Why do these moments never get old, Kyle?
BUSCH: Because you never know when the last one is, you know.
Busch was also known as a family man. On Monday, he posted on X to mark his son’s birthday. It was his final post on the platform.
“Happy Birthday @brextonbusch,” he wrote. “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!”
He and his wife Samantha were also philanthropists, founding the Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund to help couples dealing with fertility issues after the pair had troubles of their own.
Health Concerns
All the while so many questions remain about what caused Busch’s sudden death. On Friday’s show, Megyn was joined by Dr. Bob Lahita and Dr. Dirk Perritt to discuss the symptoms he was experiencing and what they indicate about his overall health.
You can check out Megyn’s full interview with the doctors by tuning in to episode 1,323 on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. And don’t forget that you can catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel (channel 111) weekdays from 12pm to 2pm ET.