NASCAR champion Kyle Busch dies at the age of 41

NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died Thursday at the age of 41 after he was hospitalized earlier in the day with a severe illness.

The NASCAR racer was expected to race this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, but was forced to drop out after his hospitalization. Earlier this month he reportedly had a sinus infection at the time of a race in Upstate New York and had to radio in to his crew asking for medical assistance. He finished the race in eighth place.

Busch's passing was confirmed by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR in a joint statement, who described him as a "future Hall of Famer" and a "rare talent." 

“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 joint statement reads.

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement continued. "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 ... NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon."

The group did not state what Busch's cause of death was, but said further details will be "shared as appropriate.” 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.