Kyle Busch dead at 41: Reactions, tributes from around sports world after the NASCAR driver's sudden death

Kyle Busch dead at 41: Reactions, tributes from around sports world after the NASCAR driver's sudden death originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . On Thursday evening, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch passed away at the age of 41.

The driver was battling a severe illness that resulted in hospitalization, according to a statement released by his family on social media. As one of the most well-known NASCAR drivers of his era, Busch's passing has garnered a lot of attention. Here are some reactions and tributes shared by the racing and sports world after the NASCAR driver's untimely death.

MORE: Remembering Kyle Busch's NASCAR career Kyle Busch dies at 41 On Thursday evening, NASCAR announced in a statement that Busch died at age 41. “Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," the statement read. "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.