Kyle Busch’s lawyer issues furious statement over conspiracy theories following death
Following Kyle Busch's sudden and tragic death last month, the internet has been quick to share its conspiracy theories.
The popular NASCAR Cup Series driver passed away at the age of just 41, shortly after being hospitalised with what his family described as a 'severe illness', which was later classified as pneumonia which developed into sepsis, causing hemorrhagic shock.
While his widowed wife Samantha and their two children have been trying to grieve over the past few weeks, having paid an emotional tribute to the future Hall of Fame driver, the internet has been speculating about things they really have no business discussing.
The focus has seemingly been on a legal case that was settled with Pacific Life Insurance Company out of court, after the family claimed they had been misled into purchasing life insurance policies and paid over $10.4million as a result.
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Conspiracy theories have naturally arisen after they appeared to drop the life insurance policies just two months before Kyle's death but now lawyer, Robert Rikard has put the theories to bed and asked for people to respect the family's privacy in a difficult period.
In a LinkedIn post, he wrote: “Some on this platform, in the media, and elsewhere are pushing a false narrative about the Busch IUL matter.
“It needs to be stopped, and those publishing false statements are on notice to correct them.
“Two policies had no value prior to litigation and were terminated.
“The remaining policies were handled responsibly. The Busch family retained an independent insurance specialist – a senior executive at a major national financial institution – who evaluated the entire portfolio and recommended a structured transition to replacement coverage that provides a substantial lifetime death benefit.
“The Busch family did not walk away from their coverage. They replaced it with better coverage.”
Rikard added: “The suggestion that they were advised by anyone to abandon tens of millions in death benefit protection is a fabrication, and those repeating it know it is. To continue to do so is at your own peril.
“These are not differences of opinion about IUL policy design or litigation strategy. These are false statements of fact about what happened.”
Following his sudden death on 21 May, Busch's family released a joint statement alongside NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, saying they had been left 'heartbroken' while describing him as a 'rare talent'.
"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," it said.
"A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation.
"He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.
"His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.
"During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate."
James Moorhouse