NASCAR announced Thursday that two-time Cup Series champion and NASCAR’s all-time winningest driver, Kyle Busch, has died.

The statement, jointly issued by the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR, was posted on X. It expressed profound heartbreak within the racing community and asked fans to respect the privacy of Busch’s wife Samantha and their children, Brexton and Lennix.

Busch had been hospitalized with a severe illness just hours prior to the announcement. His family previously stated he was undergoing treatment and would miss his scheduled events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600.

According to reports, Busch requested medical assistance following the May 10 race at Watkins Glen. He finished eighth in that event and remained 24th in the Cup Series standings through 12 races.

Richard Childress Racing confirmed that Austin Hill would drive the No. 8 Chevrolet for Busch’s position in the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, with the car ready for his return. The team emphasized health as their top priority.

Busch, a Las Vegas native who won the NASCAR Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019, is survived by his wife Samantha and children Brexton and Lennix.