Sport3 min(s) read
Published 08:40 22 May 2026 GMT
Kyle Busch's final words before his shocking death have been revealed for the first time.
The two-time NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series champion is widely accepted as one of the most accomplished and skilled drivers in motorsports history.
But Busch would suddenly be hospitalized in Concord, North Carolina, with a severe illness, before passing away on Thursday (May 22), aged 41.
No official cause of death was announced, but his untimely death came just six days after the American driving legend emerged victorious at the 2026 Ecosave 200 at Dover Motor Speedway.
The win was Busch's 69th victory in the NASCAR Truck Series, extending his record of having the most victories obtained by a driver in the series.
However, he made an emotional comment in a post-race interview with Fox Sports.
The win turned out to be his last, with fans left heartbroken after reflecting on the father-of-two's final interview.
He told Fox Sports' Amanda Busick: "Because you never know when the last one is, you know?
"I know all too well, unfortunately, with the Cup stuff, but here with the truck stuff, right now, it's awesome just to be a part of Spire Motorsports."
His words would hit hard just days later, and his final race would be in the 2026 NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover on Sunday (May 17).
NASCAR confirmed Busch's tragic passing just hours after his death, with a statement on behalf of the organization, Busch's family and Richard Childress Racing reading: "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.
"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.'"
The statement went on: "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."
They also asked for privacy from the public during this particularly trying time.
