The motorsports community is in mourning after the death of Kyle Busch at the age of 41. Busch’s family released a statement saying the NASCAR driver suffered from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis. The illness resulted in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.
Busch’s Illness and Final Race
Busch’s health declined quickly after weeks of illness, though he continued to race. On May 10, Busch competed at Watkins Glen International. He radioed his team asking for help after the race and requested to see Bill Heisel, a longtime sports physician’s assistant who has worked with NASCAR teams. Busch said he needed a shot before finishing eighth in the race.
The Athletic asked Busch at Dover Motor Speedway whether he was feeling better from whatever was bothering him at Watkins Glen. Busch said he was still not great, noting he still had a cough.
Unexpected Turn and 911 Call
Busch won a NASCAR Truck Series race at Dover and attended the grand opening of a karting centre in Durham, N.C. However, he took a turn for the worse on Wednesday evening.
A 911 call was placed on Wednesday from the GM Charlotte Technical Center in Concord, N.C. The caller asked for an ambulance for an individual having shortness of breath, feeling very hot, thinking he was going to pass out and “coughing up some blood.” The caller stated the individual was awake on a bathroom floor and asked that responders turn off their ambulance sirens upon arrival.
NASCAR’s Response
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell held a news conference but declined to comment on Busch’s health leading up to his death. O’Donnell cited respect for the family and their request for privacy. He added that transparency is something they all believe in and that more information would be shared in due time.
Busch was at the racing simulator at that facility on Wednesday, according to a source briefed on the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
Busch died Thursday after being hospitalised on Wednesday night.