'Wheel of Fortune' Fans Resurface Footage of Late Celebrity Contestant Following Unexpected Death at 41
While the world continues to mourn the loss of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, Wheel of Fortune fans are fondly remembering his recent appearance on the show.
Just three months prior to his unexpected death at the age of 41 on May 21, Busch appeared on the beloved game show during its NASCAR week in February. Along with fellow racers Joey Logano and Christoper Bell, Busch was teamed up with a contestant on the show in the hopes of helping them win big.
In the wake of his death, fans are now looking back at footage of Busch's appearance in the wake of his death, remembering the joy he brought to the WOF set and to all the viewers watching at home.
One user on Reddit shared a clip from the Feb. 13 episode with Busch after his death last month, where tons of other fans online flocked to the comments to express their condolences and reminisce on Busch's warm and cheerful presence.
"Wow, just nice to see that video again, RIP Kyle, Rowdy, Busch," one user wrote.
Another user added, "R.I.P. I saw this show. I'm not a big fan of racing but glad I saw this."
Even the contestant who was paired with Busch for the game, a man by the name of Ray Kase, chimed in on the post to share his experience of having Busch as a teammate.
Kase revealed that as Busch was leaving the set, he gifted him a collectible car replica, as well as a hat and a signed photo.
"I also got to keep the shirt that he gave me," he wrote, while adding, "Thanks to Wheel for having me on the show and allowing me to meet Kyle."
Busch died just a few months after the episode aired due to pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, "resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," according to the statement released by his family.
Busch is survived by his brother Kurt Busch, his wife Samantha and their two young kids, son Brexton and daughter Lennix.
Following the news of his death, the official Wheel of FortuneInstagram account shared a tribute to Busch that read, "Ryan [Seacrest], Vanna [White], and the entire Wheel family is saddened to hear of the passing of Kyle Busch. We were grateful for the chance to spend time with him during NASCAR Week this year and to witness the kindness and energy he brought to everyone around him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire racing community."
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 4:29 PM.