NASCAR Champion Kyle Busch Dies At 41
on May 21, 2026 • Updated May 21, 2026
Kyle Busch Dies At 41
Kyle Busch, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has died at 41. NASCAR confirmed the news in a statement. You can read that below.
We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old.
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire… pic.twitter.com/FARIF6OKrw
The Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR also put out a joint statement:
A joint statement on behalf of the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR. pic.twitter.com/7fYGjIqxoJ
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 21, 2026
Busch’s Family Releases Statement About His Hospitalization
Busch was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24. However, his family announced on May 21 that the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion was hospitalized with what they described as a “severe illness” and will no longer participate in any racing activities this weekend.
His families statement read: “Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization.” They noted that “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.”
The statement did not provide any additional details about Kyle Busch’s illness. However, PEOPLE reports the NASCAR star appeared to be dealing with health issues earlier this month.
Following the May 10 race at Watkins Glen International, Busch was reportedly heard over the team radio asking crew members to bring a doctor to his bus. During the televised broadcast, reporters noted he seemed to be battling what was described as a “sinus cold.”
Remembering Kyle Busch
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha. They shared two children: a son, Brexton Locke (age 11), and a daughter, Lennix Key (age 4).
Both of Busch’s children and Busch himself celebrated their birthdays in May. The last post he shared on social media before news broke about his hospitalization was celebrating his son’s 11th birthday on May 18th.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
