The NASCAR star died hours after his family announced his “severe illness”

Kyle Busch celebrated his oldest child’s birthday just days before his death.

On Thursday, May 21, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died hours after his family announced he was hospitalized with a “severe illness.” He was 41 years old.

Prior to his death, the sports star, who shared two children with his wife Samantha Busch — Brexton Locke, 11, and Lennix Key, 4 — was surrounded by his loved ones as they rang in Brexton’s 11th birthday on Monday, May 18.

“Happy Birthday Brexton!!!” Kyle wrote in a social media tribute to his firstborn.

“Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!” the proud dad continued. “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!”

His Instagram carousel began with a group photo of him and Samantha, 39, standing with their two kids on a racetrack for a sports car-themed celebration.

Brexton held up a trophy, much like his dad has done over the years, while his little sister held a checkered flag. Kyle and Samantha each held their fingers up, symbolizing “No. 1” as they all smiled for the photo op.

Another image showed a baby Brexton standing in his father’s lap in a mini go-kart.

Samantha also shared sweet family moments from Brexton’s special day.

“11 years of loving you, cheering you on, and trying to figure out how you grew up this fast,” she captioned an Instagram post. “Happy birthday to my sweet boy. Watching you become this driven, funny, kind-hearted little man has been the greatest gift. So proud of you every single day, Brex.”

From a young age, Brexton had been known to follow in his father’s footsteps.

In October 2023, his mom and dad uploaded a joint Instagram post after their Brexton won a race at Millbridge Speedway.

“Congrats Brexton we are so proud of you!” they wrote. “For being so young you put in so much effort watching film, testing, asking questions, siming and it’s paid off! We love to watch you accomplish your dreams!”

On May 10, Kyle also marked Lennix’s 4th birthday and Mother’s Day with a thoughtful Instagram post.

“My girls deserve the spotlight today. 💕,” he began alongside a photo of the family of four posing together. “Happy Mother’s Day to Samantha and my Mom! Thank You both for the love, patience, strength, and everything you pour into our family every single day.”

He added, “And Happy Birthday to our crazy Lennix. You keep us laughing, keep us on our toes, and somehow make every day brighter at the same time. I’m lucky to do life with you girls. Love you all more than you know!! 😘.”

His family did not disclose the nature of Kyle’s “severe illness” on Thursday, but his death came hours after the announcement.

“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,” the joint statement from NASCAR, the Busch family and Richard Childress Racing read.