“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,” a joint statement from NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing and the Busch family read.

The statement described Busch as “a future Hall of Famer” and “a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation.”

“Kyle was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans,” the statement continued. “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 announcement came just hours after Busch’s family revealed that the two-time NASCAR champion had been hospitalized with what they described as a “severe illness.”

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the Busch family said in an earlier statement Thursday. “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”

Busch had been scheduled to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Concord, N.C., on Friday, May 22, as well as the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24.

Earlier this month, Busch appeared to experience health issues during a race at Watkins Glen International on May 10. As the race came to a close, Busch was heard over team radio asking for medical attention after finishing.

“Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel? He’s the Kindred doctor guy. Tell him I need him after the race, please,” Busch said. He later added, “I’m gonna need a shot.”

During the FOX Sports broadcast, commentators said Busch appeared to be dealing with a “sinus cold.”

Born in Las Vegas, Busch grew up in a racing family alongside his older brother Kurt Busch, who also became a NASCAR driver. Over more than two decades in the sport, Busch built a reputation as one of NASCAR’s most recognizable stars, winning Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019.

At the time of his death, Busch was in his fourth season driving for Richard Childress Racing after previously winning championships with Joe Gibbs Racing.

NASCAR named him one of the sport’s 75 greatest drivers in 2023.

The joint statement announcing Busch’s death concluded with condolences for his loved ones, including his wife, Samantha, whom he married on New Year’s Eve in 2010, and the couple’s two children, son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.

“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,” the statement read. “NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.”