New details have emerged about the final hours leading up to the sudden death of NASCAR star Kyle Busch, who reportedly suffered a medical emergency while training one day before he died.
According to The Associated Press, Busch became unresponsive on Wednesday while using a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina.
Several people familiar with the situation told the outlet he was rushed to a Charlotte hospital after collapsing during the session.
The details surfaced after Busch’s family announced Thursday morning that the 41-year-old driver had been hospitalized with a “severe illness.”
At the time, the family said Busch was “undergoing treatment” and would step away from all NASCAR-related activities for the remainder of the week.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was scheduled to race at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
Hours after the initial health update, Busch’s family joined NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing in releasing a statement confirming his death.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the statement said.
“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.”
The statement highlighted Busch’s accomplishments over more than two decades in racing, during which he became one of the sport’s most successful and polarizing figures.
“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,” the statement continued.
Busch earned the nickname “Rowdy” early in his career because of his aggressive driving style and fiery personality.
While he often clashed with competitors and occasionally teammates, Busch also built one of NASCAR’s most loyal fan followings, known as “Rowdy Nation.”
“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age,” the statement said.
The statement also extended condolences to Busch’s wife, Samantha, their children Brexton and Lennix, his parents, brother Kurt Busch, and the entire Richard Childress Racing organization.
“NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon,” the statement added.
Busch, the younger brother of NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch, captured two NASCAR Cup Series championships during his career.
Across NASCAR’s three national touring series, Busch recorded more than 230 race victories, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time winningest drivers.
The cause of Busch’s illness and death has not been publicly disclosed.
