Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski among NASCAR drivers mourning Kyle Busch after shocking death at 41

Kyle Busch, the winningest driver in NASCAR history across its three divisions, died Thursday at 41 years old . He left behind friends and family, all in shock from the news. Busch had been reported earlier Thursday to be out for the Coca-Cola 600 due to “a severe illness resulting in hospitalization.

” NASCAR announced his death only hours later, then released a joint statement alongside the Busch family and his team at Richard Childress Racing. The full statement: 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. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR's highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation.

' Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha's parents, Kurt and all of Kyle's family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.