NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s death certificate reveals heartbreaking final days as health declined
Tragic new details have emerged about the days leading up to the death of legendary NASCAR driver Kyle Busch.
The 41-year-old died on Thursday 21 May, just one day after he had been admitted to hospital for a ‘severe illness’.
The father-of-two’s death came after a ‘chain of events’ that saw his health rapidly decline, according to his death certificate.
The death certificate, which was obtained by US Weekly, stated that Busch had bacterial pneumonia for ‘days to weeks’, which developed into sepsis and caused blood clots that led to hemorrhagic shock.
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The medical examiner wrote that Busch likely only had sepsis for a day before his death.
The findings confirm an earlier statement his heartbroken family made to ESPN, revealing that he had died after ‘severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications’.
Busch had been rushed to hospital on 20 May after being found unresponsive in a race simulator in Concord, North Carolina.
Tragically, the next day NASCAR and Busch’s family issued a joint statement announcing his death.
"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," the statement read.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.
“Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.
“His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’
“Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and children Brexton, 11, and four-year-old Lennix.
Topics: Sport
Claire Reid