Kyle Busch's family has revealed that 'severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis' was the cause of death for the NASCAR legend. A statement from the Busch family on Saturday read: 'The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.'
Busch's Final Days
Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion and father of two, was hospitalized on Thursday with an unspecified severe illness. Hours later, NASCAR announced that he had died at the age of 41. Busch, who competed in more than 760 races during a storied 24-year career, is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children, Brexton, 11, and Lennix, four.
According to a 911 call released by TMZ, Busch reportedly became unresponsive while using a racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina on Wednesday. The caller told operators: 'I've got an individual that's shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he's going to pass out, and he's producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.' The caller repeatedly explained Busch was 'awake' and lying on the bathroom floor as he waited for paramedics to arrive.
Prior Illness
Prior to his death, Busch's family released a statement saying he was hospitalized with a 'severe illness' that he had been dealing with for more than a week. Busch was apparently battling a sinus issue towards the end of a NASCAR Cup Series race in Watkins Glen, New York on May 10. He radioed his pit crew to ask for the help of Bill Heisel, a certified physician's assistant who has worked with the stock car circuit for years.
According to the TV broadcast, Busch's cold was exacerbated by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the road course. 'Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel?' Busch asked the Richard Childress Racing crew. 'He's the kindred doctor guy. Tell him I need him after the race, please… I'm gonna need a shot.'
Busch finished eighth and later told The Athletic on May 16 that he was still battling a cold prior to last Sunday's All-Star race in Dover, Delaware. Then on Thursday, he was abruptly pulled out of this Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 before being pronounced dead.
Tributes and Legacy
In the wake of his shock passing, tributes have flooded in from NASCAR and across the racing world. 'Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,' NASCAR shared in a statement on behalf of Busch's family and his team, Richard Childress Racing. '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.'
NASCAR officials did not immediately respond to requests for further details on the shot Busch asked for on May 10. Attempts to contact Heisel have been unsuccessful thus far. Heisel has not been accused of any wrongdoing, and although Busch referred to him as a 'doctor,' Heisel is not accused of misrepresenting himself.
