Sport3 min(s) read
Published 09:58 22 May 2026 GMT
Kyle Busch spent his final days surrounded by family, celebrating his oldest son’s birthday just hours before news of his death shocked the racing world.
The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died on Thursday, May 21, at the age of 41 after being hospitalized with a “severe illness,” according to a joint statement released by NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing and the Busch family.
Just days before his death, Busch shared a touching tribute to his son Brexton Locke as the family celebrated his 11th birthday at a racetrack-themed party alongside wife Samantha Busch and daughter Lennix Key.
“Happy Birthday Brexton!!!” Kyle wrote in a social media tribute to his firstborn.
“Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!” the proud dad continued. “You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day. Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”
The Instagram carousel opened with a family photo showing Kyle and Samantha standing with their children at the racetrack celebration.
Brexton proudly held up a trophy while Lennix waved a checkered flag beside him. Kyle and Samantha both raised one finger in the air to symbolize “No. 1” as they smiled together for the camera.
Another image showed a young Brexton standing in his father’s lap inside a mini go kart, highlighting how closely the youngster had followed in his dad’s racing footsteps from an early age.
Samantha also posted her own emotional tribute for their son’s birthday.
“11 years of loving you, cheering you on, and trying to figure out how you grew up this fast,” she captioned the post. “Happy birthday to my sweet boy. Watching you become this driven, funny, kind-hearted little man has been the greatest gift. So proud of you every single day, Brex.”
Brexton’s love for motorsports had long been shared publicly by his parents.
Back in October 2023, Kyle and Samantha uploaded a joint Instagram post celebrating after their son won a race at Millbridge Speedway.
"Congrats Brexton we are so proud of you!" they wrote. "For being so young you put in so much effort watching film, testing, asking questions, siming and it’s paid off! We love to watch you accomplish your dreams!"
Earlier this month, Kyle also celebrated Lennix’s fourth birthday while honoring Samantha and his own mother on Mother’s Day.
"My girls deserve the spotlight today. 💕," he wrote alongside a family photo. "Happy Mother’s Day to Samantha and my Mom! Thank You both for the love, patience, strength, and everything you pour into our family every single day."
He added, "And Happy Birthday to our crazy Lennix. You keep us laughing, keep us on our toes, and somehow make every day brighter at the same time. I’m lucky to do life with you girls. Love you all more than you know!! 😘."
Busch’s family did not disclose the nature of the “severe illness” that led to his hospitalization before his death was confirmed Thursday.
"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 from NASCAR, the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing read.
Busch was widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s biggest stars, winning Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019 during a career that spanned more than two decades.
He is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children, Brexton and Lennix.
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