“We Lost Our Kobe Bryant” Denny Hamlin in Disbelief as Kyle Busch Dies at 41

“We Lost Our Kobe Bryant” Denny Hamlin in Disbelief as Kyle Busch Dies at 41

Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Kobe Bryant (Via Imago and @kobebryant/X)

The NASCAR community is beyond heartbroken at the moment, after the tragic death of Richard Childress Racing veteran Kyle Busch. The two times Cup Series champion was hospitalized due to serious illness mid-week, forcing RCR to replace him with Austin Hill for the Coca-Cola 600 week. But no-one expected the shocking statement that came from NASCAR soon after and it left Denny Hamlin in tears.

In a combined statement, RCR and NASCAR confirmed that the Busch, who was just 41 passed away. The illness that caused the sudden death is yet to be revealed, but some reports suggest that it might have to do with the veteran asking for medical attention after the Watkins Glen race owing to sinus cold.

He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans…Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.

NASCAR via a statement.

Denny Hamlin, who was teammate with Kyle Busch for over 15 years at Joe Gibbs Racing wasn’t able to come in terms with the news. He releases statements on both X and Instagram sharing his grief with the family. On his post, he even compared the RCR veteran to late NBA great Kobe Bryant, who lost his life early in a helicopter crash. What makes it harder for Hamlin is the fact that he just settled the month-long beef he had with veteran due to his critical comments.

IG: We’ve lost our Kobe Bryant. Today we mourn. Forever we remember. Rest in peace Kyle.

X: Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time. We love you KB.

Denny Hamlin’s statement on Kyle Busch’s death.
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Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron is heartbroken over the loss of Kyle Busch

One of the key contributions from Kyle Busch to NASCAR was Kyle Busch Motorsports. The Truck Series team, once the giants of the sport, produced some of the best young talents in the Cup right now. One of them is Hendrick Motorsports’ No:24 Chevy driver William Byron.

William Byron and Kyle Busch (1)
William Byron and Kyle Busch (Via @WilliamByron/X)

Hence the news of his former boss and long-time on track rivals’ death hit him hard. On a statement shared on X, he revealed his sorrow and highlighted how much the veteran racer mean for him, as a racer, mentor as well as a friend.

I’m so sad and stunned to hear the news about KB. He meant so much to a lot of people, not just myself. Kyle was the best mentor you could ever have. He was incredibly unselfish, cared about his people and his family deeply. And helped shaped my career to what it is. I’m heartbroken. Thinking and praying for the Busch family during this time.

William Byron wrote on X.

It will take a long-time for the whole NASCAR community to move on from the tragedy and there might never be another KFB level racer in the sport. It would be interesting to see how the community is going to mourn the racer this weekend at Charlotte.

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