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NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has tragically died at the age of 41.

Busch’s racing team, Richard Childress Racing, along with NASCAR, announced the shocking news.

“On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch.”

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“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.”

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“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.”

“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.”

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Earlier in the day, RCR revealed Kyle was in the hospital with a “severe illness” which came on the heels of his last Cup Series race on May 10 at Watkins Glen in upstate New York. During the race, Busch radioed his crew for medical aid.

On TV, they noted Kyle had been battling some sort of sinus issue. However, he actually finished the race, coming in eighth place.

Kyle actually raced in a Truck Series race on May 15, winning the EcoSave 200. He then competed in the NASCAR All-Star Race on May 17, just four days before his death.

Busch was one of the best drivers to ever get behind the wheel of a NASCAR stock car, winning 63 Cup Series races (1st among active drivers, 9th overall), 102 Xfinity Series races (a record), and 69 Craftsman Truck Series wins (also a record).

KB is the most winningest driver ever across all the NASCAR series.

Play video contentJanuary 2018

Video: The Last Time We Saw Kyle Busch

Busch was known by a couple of nicknames among race fans … “Rowdy” and “Wild Thing,” for his aggressive style on the track.

Kyle wasn’t the only Busch to rip around the race track. His brother, Kurt, was also a NASCAR driver back in the day.

Kyle is survived by his wife Samantha, and his two children, an 11-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter.

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