Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died on Thursday, May 21. He was 41 years old.

Earlier on May 21st, Kyle’s family released a statement announcing that he would not be able to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24th. They said Kyle was dealing with “a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” and closed their statement with a request for privacy.

Sadly, later on May 21st, NASCAR confirmed that Kyle passed away:

“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,” they wrote. “He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”

Shortly after, NASCAR released a joint statement on behalf of themselves, Richard Childress Racing (Kyle’s team), and the Busch family. It read in part:

“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 ended with the following message:

“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.”

See The Final Post Kyle Busch Shared On Social Media

Kyle Busch married his wife, Samantha, in 2010. The couple had two children: a son, Brexton Locke, and a daughter, Lennix Key.

Kyle, Brexton, and Lennix all celebrated their birthdays in May. Lennix turned 4 on May 10th, Kyle turned 41 on May 2nd, and Brexton turned 11 on May 18th.

May 18th…which was just three days before Kyle’s death…was the last time the NASCAR champion ever posted on social media. And his final post was devoted to celebrating his son’s birthday.

The last words Kyle ever shared online are leaving NASCAR fans in tears. He wrote:

“Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be! You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day. Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!”

Brexton has been following in his father’s footsteps and has grown up to love racing just as much. You can see their shared passion for the sport in the photos Kyle paired with his birthday message to his son.

See those photos in the post below, which was Kyle’s last post before his death.

Following the news of Kyle’s death, his followers took to the comments section of his final post to express their shock and share their condolences for his family:

Professional disc golfer Drew Gibson said, “Wow. RIP TO A LEGEND.”

One follower wrote, “RIP man you made nascar entertaining for all of us Grew up watching you!”

Someone else said, “This doesn’t feel real at all. Rest easy Rowdy.”

Another NASCAR fan wrote, “Thank you for the memories, Kyle. I grew up with you in the iconic M&M car as the Candyman, and then watched you transform into Rowdy Busch. You will be sorely missed, on and off the track, and I’m sending all my thoughts and prayers to your family.”

Another follower said, “You did it better than anyone else could. Give Dale a hell of a race up there.”

Someone else simply wrote, “Man say it ain’t so.”

We join everyone in sending our thoughts and prayers to Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and all of Kyle Busch’s loved ones during this heartbreaking time. May he rest in peace…