Kyle Busch, a Las Vegas native and two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, had bacterial pneumonia for several days or even weeks before he died, according to his death certificate released on Wednesday. NASCAR fans will especially miss his presence on the track. The sad news marks a significant moment for the NASCAR community.
Busch died on May 21 after being hospitalized earlier that day with a sudden illness, his family said in a statement. The NASCAR community has expressed their condolences for his loss. Moreover, his passing deeply impacted everyone who follows NASCAR.
In a follow-up statement on Saturday, the family said doctors found that severe pneumonia led to sepsis, which caused fast and serious complications. Notably, many in the NASCAR world have expressed sorrow at this loss.
According to the death certificate, first reported by US Weekly, Busch had pneumonia before it turned into sepsis. The NASCAR circuit has felt his absence.
Busch’s Passing
The report says the medical examiner found that Busch likely had sepsis for about a day. This caused small blood clots that blocked blood flow to his organs, a condition known as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). After all, a tragedy like this is rare among NASCAR drivers.
The report said these problems led to hemorrhagic shock from severe blood loss. According to The Athletic, the death certificate notes that DIC and hemorrhagic shock lasted several hours. His loss is mourned throughout the broader NASCAR community.
The Athletic also reported that the death certificate listed cremation in Mooresville, North Carolina as the method of disposition. It also stated that Busch died of natural causes at 4:30 p.m. Additionally, many in the NASCAR world are mourning his untimely passing.
In his last weeks, Busch kept racing even though he was sick. After the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, New York, on May 10, he asked his team to set up a doctor visit and a shot. During the race, FS1 reported that Busch was dealing with a sinus cold. Notably, his perseverance was admired throughout NASCAR circles. His dedication is respected by NASCAR enthusiasts everywhere.
The next week, Busch was still struggling with the cold at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware during the Cup Series All-Star Race weekend. He won the Craftsman Truck Series race on May 15. This resilience has inspired many aspiring NASCAR drivers.
Before he died, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina released a 911 call from May 20 asking for an ambulance for a medical emergency at the GM Charlotte Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina. Overall, this tragic event has reminded everyone how precious each moment is in NASCAR.
Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
