Kyle Busch’s older brother, Kurt Busch, has broken his silence, weeks after the NASCAR legend died at the age of 41.
The retired NASCAR driver, 47, released a heartfelt tribute honoring his baby brother, who died on Thursday, May 21, 2026, after suffering complications from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, hours after he was hospitalized with a “severe illness.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family,” Kurt began in a statement on Instagram.
“Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on. From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors.
He continued: “We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other. Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you.
“No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared.”
Kurt concluded: “My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me. Rest easy, little brother.”
The post was accompanied by photos of Kurt and Kyle over the years, as well as snaps of Kyle’s family, wife Samantha Busch, and their two children: son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, four.
Samantha broke her silence on Kyle’s death over the weekend, thanking fans for their “prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness.”
She said in a lengthy statement on Instagram that messages “have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives,” and that they have “felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you.”
© WireImageShe added: “There are moments when the weight of this loss feels impossible to carry, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we are not alone. From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us. Thank you for loving our family so well.”
Kyle, a two-time Cup Series champion, had reportedly been battling a severe sinus infection and persistent cough before his death, which worsened during the physically gruelling race conditions.
© Getty ImagesHis family released a statement to ESPN on May 23, revealing Kyle’s cause of death. It read: “The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”
At the time of his death, Kyle was in his fourth season driving for Richard Childress Racing and remained a formidable presence within the sport. His final career victory came in 2023, marking his first win with the team.
© Getty ImagesAhead of the first NASCAR race since his passing, the sport paused on May 25, 2026, for a tribute to the beloved driver, who competed in more than 760 races during his extraordinary 24-year career, and Samantha made an emotional appearance alongside the couple’s two young children.
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