Kyle Busch Cause of Death Revealed
Legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch's cause of death has been revealed.
According to a statement from his family, Busch died from severe pneumonia, which progressed into sepsis.
"The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications," the family shared via the AP.
RELATED: NASCAR Legend Kyle Busch Dead at 41
Busch died on Thursday, May 21 at the age of 41. His death came shortly after ESPN reported that the racecar driver was hospitalized due to a severe illness, which was going to force him to miss the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24.
Additionally, 911 audio recorded the day before Busch died revealed he was coughing up blood and struggling to breathe.
According to the audio, which was obtained by TMZ, the call was placed around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Busch was at a training facility in Concord, North Carolina, where he reportedly using a Chevrolet racing simulator.
The caller urgently requested medical assistance, telling dispatchers, "I've got an individual that's shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he's going to pass out, and he's producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood."
Busch was previously thought to have had a sinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May 10. After finishing the race, Busch radioed in to his team saying that he needed a "shot" from a doctor.
The NASCAR legend died just one week after wining the 2026 Ecosave 200 at Dover Motor Speedway on May 15. There, Busch spoke about how important it was to celebrate victories, "Because you never know when the last one is, you know?"
NASCAR later released a statement honoring Busch and his legacy in the sport.
"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," the statement read. "We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community."
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and son Brexton, 11, and daughter Lennix, 4.
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 12:14 PM.