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The country is continuing to mourn the loss of and pay tribute to NASCAR legend Kyle Busch after his untimely and shocking death.
“Kyle Busch was not just a talented and record-setting driver; he was also a kind person,” North Carolina Governor Josh Stein said in a statement shared via the North Carolina Department of Transportation on Friday, May 22, announcing that he has ordered all “U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff” in honor of the late racer.
“His loss will be felt throughout the entire NASCAR community and well beyond,” the governor continued. “Anna and I send our deepest condolences to the Busch family during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be a blessing.”
The governor has ordered flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise on Sunday “through sunset Sunday, May 24,” to pay homage to the racer, who died on Thursday, May 21, after a brief hospitalization for a serious illness.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sports’ greatest and fiercest drivers,” the official NASCAR social media account announced via X at the time. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
On Saturday, a rep for the Busch family confirmed the late racer’s cause of death to NBC News, telling the network that the late athlete died of pneumonia that progressed “into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.” Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and his two children: son Brexton and daughter Lennix.
The same day that Busch’s cause of death was confirmed, his racing team paid a silent tribute to the athlete at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“A silent garage pays its respect as the No. 22 @RCRacing Chevrolet unloads at @CLTMotorSpdway,” NASCAR wrote via X, alongside a video showing the late driver’s team unloading his vehicle.
The blue, white and red Chevrolet adorned with the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen logo was unloaded in complete silence. The car’s number was changed from No. 8 to No. 33, though a small No. 8 decal was seen on the door of the vehicle.
On Friday, NASCAR announced that the RCR team “opted to shelf the No. 8” that Busch last drove, switching to the car No. 33 for the foreseeable future. The team indicated it will reserve Busch’s No. 8 for his son “when he is ready.”
In Governor Stein’s Friday announcement, the politician urged others to honor the NASCAR driver by also lowering their flags.
“Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are also encouraged to fly flags at half-staff for the duration of time indicated,” the announcement read in part.
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