NASCAR driver Kyle Busch faced health issues including breathing difficulties, overheating, and coughing up blood the day before his passing, as revealed in a 911 call accessed by The Associated Press on Friday. Busch, aged 41, passed away on Thursday after a severe case of pneumonia led to sepsis, causing rapid and serious complications, as confirmed by his family in a statement on Saturday.
Prior to his death, Busch had been hospitalized for a severe illness just three days before he was scheduled to participate in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While testing at the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord, N.C., on Wednesday, Busch became unresponsive and was subsequently taken to a hospital in Charlotte, according to sources familiar with the situation.
During the distress call made later that day from the General Motors training facility, an individual reported Busch’s condition of breathlessness, feeling extremely hot, fearing fainting, and experiencing blood in his cough. Emergency responders were directed to the location, with a request to arrive without sirens.
At a press conference, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell refrained from discussing the cause of Busch’s death or any health concerns he may have had, citing the family’s privacy. O’Donnell praised Busch’s legacy, highlighting his rebellious spirit and past conflicts with NASCAR, describing him as “an American badass.”
O’Donnell recalled a humorous incident where Busch pretended to be seriously injured after a race, poking fun at NASCAR officials. He also mentioned the possibility of inducting Busch into the Hall of Fame Class of 2027. The news of Busch’s passing resonated throughout the motorsports community during a significant racing weekend.
Various tributes were paid to Busch, including a moment of silence by the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and condolences from public figures like Vice-President JD Vance. Richard Childress Racing announced the suspension of Busch’s No. 8 Cup Series car, with plans to switch to No. 33 and reserve the No. 8 for Busch’s son, Brexton, for future NASCAR races.
Brexton Busch, aged 11, known for his racing talent, was involved in the design of RCR’s No. 8 car, a symbol associated with Kyle. The racing community mourned Busch’s absence at the track, with fellow drivers expressing their sadness and disbelief over his sudden passing. Busch’s final victory at Dover marked his 234th win across NASCAR’s series, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
