Kenneth Lee

Richard Childress Racing announced Thursday that Bush had been hospitalized with an unspecified severe illness and would miss this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Hours later, NASCAR announced his death.

Bush was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR and won 63 races in the Cup Series.

In a joint statement, his family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR, called him a future Hall of Famer.

and a once-in-a-generation talent.

Bush's final victory came just last week in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware.

Bush is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children.

For NPR News, I'm Kenneth Lee in Charlotte.

Richard Childress Racing announced Thursday that Busch had been hospitalized with an unspecified severe illness and would miss this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Hours later, NASCAR announced his death.

Bush was in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR and won 63 races in the Cup Series.

In a joint statement, his family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR, called him a future Hall of Famer and a once-in-a-generation talent.

Bush's final victory came just last week in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware.

Bush is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children.

For NPR News, I'm Kenneth Lee in Charlotte.

On Thursday morning, a Cessna Citation 550 business jet crashed while landing at Statesville Airport.

The plane was owned by retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.

During a press conference, Sergeant Christopher Knox said they believed Biffle was aboard the jet.

Statesville Airport remains closed.

Biffle family acquaintances, including U.S.