Kyle Busch's wife opens up after NASCAR legend's death: 'Our hearts are absolutely shattered'

Kyle Busch's wife has released a statement on the NASCAR legend's tragic death, saying that the love his fans have sent to their family has gotten them through the worst days of their lives.

Kyle Busch's wife releases statement

What they're saying:

"As a family, we wanted to take a moment to say thank you," his wife Samantha said on social media Friday. "The prayers, messages, flowers, meals, hugs, and countless acts of kindness have carried us through the most heartbreaking days of our lives. While our hearts are absolutely shattered, we have felt God’s presence and arms wrapped tightly around us through each and every one of you."

She added, "The love that has surrounded our family during this unimaginable time has brought comfort in the middle of so much pain. Knowing the impact Kyle had on others and seeing how they are honoring him through each unique act of generosity is a true testament to how special Kyle is to so many people. There are moments when the weight of this loss feels impossible to carry, yet time and time again God, through you all, has shown us we are not alone."

The two-time NASCAR champ died last month after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis. Busch won 234 races across the sport's three national series, more than any driver in history. He also has won 63 Cup Series races, including the 2018 Coca-Cola 600.

She continued, "From family and friends to fans and complete strangers, thank you for showing up for us. Thank you for loving our family so well. Thank you for loving Kyle. Thank you for honoring him. We may never find the words to fully express what your support has meant to us, but please know that we are deeply grateful."

Busch is survived by his parents and his wife, Samantha, and two children — son Brexton and daughter Lennix.

Kyle Busch dies at 41

The backstory:

Busch died at 41, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator.

Busch was thought to have had a sinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May 10 and radioed in to his team saying that he needed a "shot" from a doctor after the race. However, he bounced back to win the Trucks Series race at Dover and then he finished 17th in the All-Star race.

RELATED: Kyle Busch's cause of death released by family

Busch, who was preparing to race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

During the emergency call placed late that afternoon, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatch: "I’ve got an individual that’s (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out, and is producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood."

The caller said Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and told dispatch "he is awake," according to audio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. The man then gave directions on where emergency responders should go and asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.

Big picture view:

Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RELATED: Kyle Busch's cause of death released by family

Typically, the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. The results can cause widespread inflammation, form microscopic blood clots and make blood vessels leak.

This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.