On June 8th, NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch released his first personal statement about his younger brother Kyle’s death on May 21st. (Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton / ASP / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kurt Busch has broken his silence following the death of his younger brother, Kyle Busch.
Kyle and Kurt were born with a passion for racing in their DNA. Their father, Tom, was a stock car driver, and the Busch boys soon followed his lead by racing “anything [they] could get [their] hands on,” as Kurt recalled.
As they entered their professional careers, the brothers frequently found themselves competing against one another. This naturally led to some tension on the track, but they clearly still loved and respected each other.
Kurt retired from racing after sustaining a concussion in a crash at Pocono Raceway in 2022. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame this year (2026).
Kyle has long been considered a top candidate for future induction into the Hall. Sadly, when and if he is inducted, he won’t be here to witness it.
41-year-old Kyle Busch passed away on May 21 after battling pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. He was honored during a private memorial service on Tuesday, June 2nd.
Six days later, Kurt Busch released his first public statement about his brother’s death. He started by thanking those who’ve shared their well-wishes and support for his family during this difficult time.
Then Kurt said he’s found a “silver lining” in the memories he and Kyle made together. “…we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other,” he wrote.
Kurt continued to say:
“Kyle, your passion, determination, and love for your family inspired everyone who knew you. No trophy, championship, or accomplishment could ever measure the impact you had on my life and on so many others. I will forever be grateful for the memories we made, the lessons you taught me, and the brotherhood we shared. My heart is broken, but I know your spirit will always ride with me. Rest easy, little brother.”
See Kurt Busch’s heart-wrenching tribute to his brother Kyle in the post below. His words are sure to make plenty of NASCAR fans cry…
Kurt Busch’s Statement About Kyle’s Death Follows One From Samantha Busch
On June 5th, Kyle Busch’s wife, Samantha, shared her first post on social media since his passing. She thanked everyone who’s lifted her family up in prayer, writing:
“The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives.”
Samantha wrote about how touching it’s been to see the impact Kyle had on others. Many people have felt compelled to honor him through acts of kindness or by donating to his and Samantha’s Bundle of Joy Fund.
The organization helps those struggling with infertility. It’s a battle Kyle and Samantha faced themselves following the birth of their son, Brexton, in 2015. They eventually turned to IVF to welcome their daughter, Lennix, in 2022.
Seeing people donate to the fund or honor Kyle in other ways has served as a source of comfort to Samantha. “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 wrote.
Read Samantha’s entire post below. Our hearts go out to her, Brexton, Lennix, Kurt, and all who knew and loved Kyle Busch…
