Wife of Kyle Busch shares first public message after NASCAR hero’s death
The family of Kyle Busch has shared a public message for the first time since the legendary NASCAR driver’s sudden and tragic death.
It came in the form of a heartfelt Facebook post from Kyle’s wife, Samantha.
“As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you,” Samantha Busch wrote on Friday. “The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives.
“While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you.”
Busch’s sudden death has reverberated across the motorsports world and the country. The 41-year-old racing icon — who is the winningest driver in NASCAR history across all three of the sport’s national series — died in a Charlotte hospital on May 21. He had severe pneumonia progress into sepsis, which resulted in “rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” according to a family statement that was later corroborated by a death certificate obtained by The Charlotte Observer.
Busch’s family made an appearance just before the start of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, mere days after the tragedy. The family in attendance included Samantha; her son, Brexton; her daughter, Lennix; her brother-in-law and NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch; and Kyle’s parents, Tom and Gaye. The rest of the NASCAR garage — as well as what felt like the entire NASCAR community — stood behind them, physically and figuratively, as NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell shared some words. Among those words: “You are NASCAR family forever.”
“The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain,” Samantha’s Facebook post continued. “Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they are honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people.
“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.”
One powerful example beyond the endless words and stories shared: The Samantha and Kyle Busch Bundle of Joy Fund — which was founded years ago to advance access to IVF care, coverage and awareness — saw donations pour in after Busch’s death.
“From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us,” she wrote. “Thank you for loving our family so well. Thank you for loving Kyle. Thank you for honoring him. We may never find the words to fully express what your support has meant to us, but please know that we are deeply grateful.”
The Busch family has not yet set a date and time for a public memorial. Richard Childress, the car owner who gave Busch a contract and a car when he really needed one for the 2023 season, will be speaking to reporters for the first time since Busch’s death at noon on Saturday in the Michigan International Speedway infield.
