Kyle Busch Seen In Family Photo 3 Days Before His Tragic Death
Kyle Busch was seen celebrating his son's 11th birthday a few days before his tragic death on Thursday, May 21.
The 41-year-old two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion driver died from complications of pneumonia on Thursday. He was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, after being found unresponsive and coughing up blood at a racing testing center in North Carolina. His family confirmed his passing on Thursday, days before the Coca-Cola 600.
"The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," the Busch family statement read. "The Family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."
Tributes for Busch have been pouring in on social media.
Busch's son, 11-year-old driver Brexton Busch, changed his Instagram profile to a photo of him and his dad hugging. Brexton's last post came five days ago, when his parents and his sister were seen in family photos, celebrating his 11th birthday.
Kyle Busch was seen in a white shirt and black hat, looking relatively normal.
Fans are sending Brexton Busch their thoughts and prayers in the wake of his dad's death on Sunday.
"He's with you, your sister and Mom always……God Bless🙏🏼," one wrote.
"Stay strong young man!! We can't wait to see what you accomplish. 🤘🏼🙏🏼," one added.
"Brexton, your dad's impact on the world was massive, but nothing made him shine brighter than watching you race and grow. He will always be riding shotgun with you. Stay strong, buddy. We are all praying for you and your family. 🙏🏁," another added.
"Brexton, keep pushing fam, for your dad who was a leader for all in racing," another shared.
NASCAR is already looking out for Brexton Busch
Richard Childress Racing has said that it will be keeping Busch's No. 8 retired, until his son is ready for NASCAR.
"Richard Childress Racing has elected to suspend use of the No. 8 and will run the No. 33 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and beyond," the team said in a statement. "Kyle Busch was instrumental in the design of RCR's stylized No. 8 and it has become synonymous with Kyle and an important symbol for his fans and the NASCAR industry. No one can carry it forward to the level that he did. The No. 8 is reserved and ready for Brexton Busch when he is ready to go NASCAR racing."
Meanwhile, NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott has promised to look out for Brexton and serve as a mentor, if he wants it.
"I will throw my name out there now and for as long as needed if I were ever to be needed for help. I hope Brexton knows that I'm a phone call away or, you know, whatever to try and lend a helping hand. I can't promise that I would have as much knowledge to offer him as his dad, but I certainly would be more than willing to offer anything that I do have to give him to help because I've lived a lot of what he's gonna likely see in the coming years of his career," Elliott said.
Our thoughts continue to be with Brexton Busch and his entire family following his horrible tragedy.
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This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 12:28 PM.