(WGHP) – Kyle Busch’s older brother Kurt Busch shared a statement of mourning on Monday afternoon, a little over two weeks after his younger brother’s death.
Kurt Busch thanked everyone who had supported him since Kyle Busch’s death on May 21 and reflected on the times he and his brother raced together.
“From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other,” he wrote on Instagram.
Kurt Busch added that his heart was broken, but that he is thankful for the impact his brother had on him and many others.
His full statement is provided below:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, everyone, for the well wishes, support, and love for my brother and our family. Finding a silver lining, I reflect back on the days Kyle and I raced anything we could get our hands on. From big wheels to competing on the biggest stages in motorsports, we were more than just fierce competitors. We pushed each other, challenged each other, and learned from each other.
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.
Legacy
With 234 wins, no other NASCAR driver has won as many races as Kyle Busch. He also has the most wins of any driver in the history of the truck series with 69. He added an O’Reilly Series championship in 2009.
After making the jump to the Cup series, Kyle Busch won two Cup series championships. He also won two regular-season titles.
Along the way to greatness, Kyle Busch was somewhat of a polarizing figure to his fans and peers and earned nicknames like “Rowdy” and “The Wild Thing.” He had no problems ruffling feathers while building a legacy that everyone who loves NASCAR will never forget.
Cause of Death
Kyle Busch died from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after complications from bacterial pneumonia led to sepsis, according to his death certificate.
He had been experiencing symptoms of bacterial pneumonia for “days to weeks” before sepsis set in, according to the certificate obtained by The Associated Press in Mecklenburg County. The manner of death was listed as “natural.”
Hi death certificate also said he was cremated in Mooresville, North Carolina, following an autopsy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
