NASCAR legend Kyle Busch dead at 41 after illness: statement

NASCAR star Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion widely considered one of the greatest drivers in the sport's history, died on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the age of 41. Busch had been hospitalized earlier that day with a severe undisclosed illness and was in his 22nd season in NASCAR's top division at the time of his death. His passing was confirmed in a joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR.