Samantha Busch is publicly thanking the NASCAR world for holding up her family after husband Kyle Busch’s sudden death at 41. In her first statement since he died of complications from severe pneumonia on May 21, Samantha posted on Instagram on Friday that the “prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness” have helped her, 11-year-old son Brexton, and 4-year-old daughter Lennix through “the most heartbreaking days” of their lives, per People. She said the family has felt “God’s presence” through the support and called the gestures a testament to how much Kyle meant to others.
Her message follows an emotional tribute at the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24, where Kyle had been slated to race. NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell hailed the two-time Cup Series champion not just for his 234 national series victories, but as a quiet mentor, husband, and father, telling Samantha and the children that they will be “NASCAR family forever.” Fellow driver Daniel Suarez dedicated his Coca-Cola 600 win to Kyle Busch, and Richard Childress Racing has retired Busch’s No. 8 car for now, reserving it for Brexton’s possible future in the sport.
