Kyle Busch died on Thursday, May 21 at the age of 41. The NASCAR legend was hospitalized earlier in the week with what the motorsport series and his family called a "severe illness." He did not recover.

No cause of death was given. The Associated Press, citing sources, reports Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte. The details had not been disclosed by Busch’s team or family.

Brexton Busch paid a heartbreaking tribute to his father after his sudden death. The young racer updated his Instagram profile picture to a photo of himself hugging his dad, Kyle Busch, in a devastating gesture as the family and racing world mourn the two-time Cup Series champion.

The NASCAR legend won the race at the 2026 Ecosave 200 in Dover just six days before his sudden death on May 21.

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has been hospitalized with a severe illness and won’t compete at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, his family said Thursday. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Kyle Busch grew to expect — even appreciate — the boos. The driver nicknamed Wild Thing, Outlaw, Rowdy and KFB over his 26-year NASCAR career was more comfortable than anyone might imagine with a checkered flag in one hand and fans jeering all around.

Richard Childress Racing has made the decision to temporarily retire Kyle Busch's No. 8 Cup Series car following his tragic death at the age of 41. And they will keep it retired until the late driver's 11-year-old son, Brexton, is ready to take over.

The extended family of late NASCAR driver Greg Biffle offered their support to Kyle Busch's family following his unexpected death Thursday.