NASCAR legend Kyle Busch suddenly died earlier this week with his family releasing a statement on the cause of his tragic death17:14, 23 May 2026Updated 17:32, 23 May 2026The family of Kyle Busch have confirmed in a statement that he died after suffering from severe pneumonia that progressed to sepsis. The NASCAR icon suddenly died at the age of 41 earlier this week after a very brief illness with exactly what happened now revealed.‌Their statement, shared through American journalist Jenna Fryer, stated: "The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.‌"The family asks for continued understanding and privacy."‌Less than 48 hours earlier, a statement from the American racing series shared the devastating news. "We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers," the statement read."He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community."READ MORE: Former Ferrari F1 racer taken to hospital after stabbing left him with 'really big open wound'READ MORE: F1 news: George Russell doesn't rule out Max Verstappen partnership as star speaks about futureBusch was due to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend but it was announced on the day of his passing that he would not be there having been taken to hospital due to "a severe illness".‌He later succumbed to that with tributes pouring in for the motorsport icon, who won NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019.Busch also sits ninth on the all-time list of most wins at 63 with 56 of those coming during a 15-year stint at Joe Gibbs Racing.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! All the best sports news and much more on our dedicated Facebook page‌In the wake of his death, a touching joint-statement was also released on behalf of his family, Richard Childress Racing team and NASCAR.It read: "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.’"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.Article continues below"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."