NASCAR driver Kyle Busch had been suffering from pneumonia for “days to weeks,” triggering a “chain of events,” including sepsis, that resulted in his untimely death, according to a report.
Busch’s sepsis progressed rapidly, within 24 hours turning into disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is the formation of small blood clots that ultimately block blood flow to the organs, per the death certificate, obtained by US Weekly. From there, Busch suffered hemorrhagic shock due to lack of blood flow.
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Busch died on May 21, a day after he fell unresponsive in a racing simulator while prepping for the Coca-Cola 600 in North Carolina. He complained of overheating, suffered shortness of breath and spat up blood before he was rushed to a hospital in Charlotte, N.C., according to audio of the 911 call. He was pronounced dead hours later, at the age of 41.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers,” NASCAR wrote on social media. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha, and their two children, 11-year-old Brexton and 4-year-old Lennix. His family together attended what would have been his next race, the Coca-Cola 600, on Sunday, where they were recognized by NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell.
“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever,” Donnell said. “Brexton and Lennix, your dad loves you with all his heart.”
The organization said it was also temporarily retiring Busch’s No. 8, leaving only available to his children should they choose to enter the sport.
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