What we know about Kyle Busch's death

Kyle Busch died on Thursday, May 21 at the age of 41. The NASCAR legend was hospitalized earlier in the week with what the motorspot series and his family called a "severe illness." He did not recover.

Tributes poured in from across social media to honor the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, husband, father and friend. Busch's formal rival, Dale Earnhardt Jr., was among those who mourned the loss of the Richard Childress Racing driver, who was known as "Rowdy."

"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch," Busch's family, NASCAR and RCR said in a joint statement. "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. His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal 'Rowdy Nation.'"