Kyle Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications, according to a statement released by his family. Dakota Hunter, vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said in a news release that the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday.
Details of His Passing
Busch, who was 41, died on Thursday, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator. He had been preparing to race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On Wednesday, while testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
Medical Context
Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typically, the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi, but with sepsis, the response goes into overdrive. The results can cause widespread inflammation, form microscopic blood clots, and make blood vessels leak.
Busch was thought to have had a sinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May 10 and radioed in to his team saying that he needed a "shot" from a doctor after the race.
Emergency Call Details
During the emergency call placed late Wednesday afternoon, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatch: "I've got an individual that's (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he's going to pass out, and is producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood." The caller said Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and told dispatch "he is awake," according to audio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office. The man then gave directions on where emergency responders should go and asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.
Legacy and Tributes
Busch won 234 races across NASCAR's top three series, more than any driver in history. All 39 drivers in the field for Sunday's race will race with a black No. 8 decal on their car to honor Busch.
