Kyle Busch’s wife, Samantha, has issued an emotional statement after her husband died at aged 41 from bacterial pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
According the two-time Nascar Cup Series champion’s death certificate, the sepsis onset resulted in rapid complications, including hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The certificate also stated that prior to Kyle’s May 21 death, he had been experiencing symptoms of pneumonia for “days to weeks.”
On Friday, his wife of 15 years, Samantha, broke her silence about his death, sharing a lengthy tribute on Instagram. She also posted a photo of her, her husband, and their two children: Brexton, 11, and Lennix, four.
“As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you,” she wrote. “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.
“The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain. 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.”
She concluded: “From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us. 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.”
Samantha’s statement comes days after she and her kids made an appearance at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600, a race that Kyle had been expecting to participate in prior to his death. The family was joined by Kyle’s parents, Tom and Gaye Busch, and his older brother, Nascar driver Kurt Busch.
Nascar CEO Steve O’Donnell paid tribute to Kyle at the event, saying, “Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever. Brexton and Lennix, your dad loves you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everyone watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand, they are your family, and we’ve got you.”
The driver’s family announced his “sudden and tragic” death last month. “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,” the statement from his family, his team, Richard Childress Racing, and Nascar read.
Kyle holds the record for the most wins across the sport’s three national series with 234 victories, including 63 Cup Series races.
This season, his fourth with Richard Childress Racing, saw him rank 24th in the Cup Series standings with two top-10 finishes in 12 races. During the Dover Motor Speedway in May, which was Kyle’s final racing weekend before his death, he won the Nascar Truck Series race and completed the All-Star Race.
