Unfortunately the same could not be said about his injuries in 2015 when he sustained a compound leg fracture and broken foot during a crash, causing him to miss 11 races that season. And while he was disappointed to sit out, he was thankful that the injury wasn’t worse—especially as it occurred shortly before his son Brexton was born.

“I could have had a serious neck or head injury or even worse,” he told ESPN in 2015. “To us, we pray to God and thankful for it, that I’m still here and actually able to be part of the birth of our son.”

And Kyle was especially grateful to have Samantha by his side during his recovery. 

“Samantha and I share a lot of respect and love for one another, but I don’t think anything has come as close as this experience that we’ve had to deal with, with her being there by my side and helping me,” he said. “It’s been awesome to have her, just her helping me.”

For a look back at Kyle’s life with Samantha and their family, keep reading.