Kyle Busch suffered “days to weeks” from bacterial pneumonia before he died, according to his death certificate, obtained first by US Weekly.
Busch, 41, died on May 21 at 4:37 p.m. in a hospital in Charlotte, N.C., from pneumonia that progressed into sepsis.
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The death certificate also revealed Busch’s body was cremated in Mooresville, North Carolina.
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A general view of fans at the Kyle Busch (RCR) merchandise hauler on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A general view of fans at the Kyle Busch (RCR) merchandise hauler on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A detail view of a sign notifying guest “All Diecast Are Sold Out” at the Kyle Busch (RCR) merchandise hauler on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Crew members prepare the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch in the garage area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A detail view of a sign notifying guest a portion of merchandise sales will benefit the “Bundle of Joy Fund” at the Kyle Busch (RCR) merchandise hauler on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Brad Paisley performs onstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Brad Paisley performs onstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A young NASCAR fans sits on the steps of the #8 hauler after Kyle Busch passed away suddenly at the age of 41, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Crew members push the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, through the garage area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: NASCAR fans pose with a photograph of Kyle Busch who passed away suddenly at the age of 41, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Krista Jasso/Getty Images)
(Krista Jasso, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A general view of a photograph of Kyle Busch who passed away suddenly at the age of 41, at the #88 hauler prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Krista Jasso/Getty Images)
(Krista Jasso, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: NASCAR fans view the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A general view of fans at the Kyle Busch (RCR) merchandise hauler on the midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: NASCAR fans view the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Crew members prepare the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch in the garage area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Crew members push the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, onto the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Crew members push the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, onto the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A general view of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade UH-60 Blackhawk aerial demonstration prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Crew members of the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, wait on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A crew members of the #33 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet, driven by Austin Hill after the passing of Kyle Busch, and a NASCAR Official shake hands on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: NASCAR Chief Executive Officer Steve O’Donnell embraces Kyle Busch’s mother, Gaye Busch during the remembrance ceremony for Kyle Busch, who passed away suddenly at the age of 41, his father, Tom Busch (L) brother, NASCAR Hall of Famer Kurt Busch and Lyda Moore on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
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See the Kyle Busch tributes from Coca-Cola 600 along with best racing photos
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: A NASCAR fan displays a #8 flag during the remembrance ceremony for Kyle Busch, who passed away suddenly at the age of 41, from the grandstands prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2026 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Jonathan Bachman, Getty Images)
BUSCH MATURED AFTER SMASHING GUITAR: Why Kyle Busch never smashed second guitar NASCAR trophy at Nashville Superspeedway
Busch was a two-time NASCAR Cup champion who was coming off a Craftsman Truck Series victory at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15. He was preparing for the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 when he became ill while spending time using a Chevrolet racing simulator at the GM Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina, and was rushed to the hospital.
Busch had become very hot, was struggling to breathe, and was coughing up blood, according to a recording of the 911 call obtained by USA Today.
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On May 16, Busch was asked by The Athletic how he felt, and he said, “still not great.” He also said that he had a persistent cough that had become “pretty substantial.”
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 zone/Thorntons Chevrolet, exits his car and reacts after an on-track incident during the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 30, 2024, in Lebanon, Tennessee.
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch and Samantha Busch arrive on the red carpet for the 59th Annual CMA Awards at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99) battles Kyle Busch (8) during the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch is introduced before the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 1, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Truck Series driver Kyle Busch makes a pit stop during the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Friday, May 30, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch drives during practice for the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, May 31, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Truck Series driver Kyle Busch (07) and Tanner Gray (15) exit pit row during the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Friday, May 30, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Truck Series driver Kyle Busch suits up before the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Friday, May 30, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Truck Series driver Kyle Busch races during the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Friday, May 30, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch kisses his wife Samantha after accepting the Champion Trophy Award during the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, left, with wife Samantha and son Brexton pose on the red carpet for the “Rowdy” movie at the Regal Opry Mills Stadium 20 of the Opry Mill Mall on Jun 23, 2022.
(Alan Poizner / For The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates with a burnout after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Josie Norris / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) checks out his car before the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch’s pit crew prays before the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
It was NASCAR star Kyle Busch’s (51) first time to visit the track for the CRA Budweiser 150 Presented by: The Kyle Busch Foundation at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville Sunday, August 23, 2009.
(Sanford Myers, The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch accepts the Champion Trophy Award during the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) races during the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch’s NASCAR vehicle is on display at the Nashville International Auto Show at the Music City Center on Saturday, November 22, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski / For The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch drives during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch, left, and country music artist Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio participate in the fan question and answer session of Sound & Speed at Nashville Municipal Auditorium on Jan. 9, 2010.
(Jeanne Reasonover / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch speaks during NASCAR Night at the Opry held at The Ryman Auditorium Tuesday, December 3, 2019.
(Alan Poizner / For The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
The pit crew for NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) rush to get him back on the track during the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch drives during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch is introduced before the Ally 400 race at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 25, 2023.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates in victory lane with his wife Samantha, and son, Brexton, after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Rookie Kyle Busch, 17, celebrates winning the ARCA RE/MAX PFG Lester 150 in his Chevrolet Monte Carlo at the Nashville Superspeedway near Gladeville, Tenn., April 11, 2003.
(Randy Piland / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch reacts after finishing a burnout in the Burnouts on Broadway competition Wednesday, December 1, 2021, during NASCAR Champion’s Week in Nashville, Tenn.
(Mark Zaleski/ For The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO presents Kyle Busch with Champion Trophy Award during the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch bows to the fans during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event in downtown Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) speaks with his pit crew before the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle and Samantha Busch poses on the red carpet for the 2023 NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023.
(Stephanie Amador / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR star Kyle Busch climbs into his race car before the start of the CRA Budweiser 150 Presented by: The Kyle Busch Foundation at the Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville Sunday, August 23, 2009.
(Sanford Myers, The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) drives during the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 26, 2022.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch on the red carpet for Rowdy Thursday, Jun 23, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, US; at Regal Opry Mills.
(Alan Poizner, The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) stands on his car as he celebrates winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Josie Norris / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) races during the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch drives during the NASCAR Burnouts on Broadway event on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) wrecks during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) exits his car after a wreck during the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 30, 2024.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch wins the Camping World Truck series race at Nashville Superspeedway in Gladeville, Tenn., on Friday, April 22, 2011.
(File)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) and his family participate in a prayer before the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) does a burnout at the finish line after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Josie Norris / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) enters his car for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Busch (54) celebrates in victory lane with his son, Brexton, after winning the Tennessee Lottery 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Saturday, June 19, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO presents Kyle Busch with Champion Trophy Award during the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) prays with his wife, Samantha, and son, Brexton, before the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 race at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., Sunday, June 20, 2021.
(Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com)
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Kyle Busch’s best NASCAR Nashville Superspeedway moments, awards
Kyle Busch accepts the Champion Trophy Award during the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Awards at Music City Center Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 in Nashville, Tenn.
(George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)
On May 19, two days after finishing 17th in the NASCAR All-Star Race, Busch and his son Brexton attended the grand opening of a new Andretti indoor karting facility in Durham, North Carolina, where he met fans and posed for pictures.
Busch had been dealing with a severe sinus cold in the weeks before he died. On May 10, near the end of the Cup race at Watkins Glen, Busch radioed his crew requesting a doctor meet him at his motorhome, saying, “I’m gonna need a shot.”
The sinus infection progressed into severe bilateral pneumonia and progressed into sepsis. The sepsis triggered disseminated intravascular coagulation, which is abnormal clotting throughout blood vessels that cuts off flow to organs, USA TODAY reported. That was followed by hemorrhagic shock caused by severe bleeding. The DIC and hemorrhagic shock lasted for hours.
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A medical examiner determined Busch likely had supsis for only one day.
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha, son Brexton and daughter Lennix.
Busch’s career finished with two Cup Series championships, the 2009 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship, 63 Cup Series wins, 102 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins and 69 Craftsman Truck Series wins. His final NASCAR national series victory came at Dover on May 15. Busch celebrated at the start-finish line as he had so many times after taking the win — with a bow in front of the crowd, checkered flag in hand.
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kyle Busch death certificate reveals new details about how he died
