Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch tragically dies at 41 after hospitalization

NASCAR star Kyle Busch has died at the age of 41 shortly after being hospitalized due to an undisclosed ‘severe’ illness.

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died Thursday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the garage and the racing world. 

Busch, 41, was hospitalized Thursday due to an undisclosed but "severe illness," according to a statement put out by the Busch family.  

NASCAR, the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing announced the death Thursday evening, but did not offer a cause of death.

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NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch and his wife Samantha stand before the start of the 1000Bulbs.com 500 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., on Oct. 14, 2018. (Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports)

"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 statement said. "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.’

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"Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle