Kyle Busch spent weeks battling a worsening illness before the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion died last week at the age of 41, according to newly released details from his death certificate.
The documents show Busch initially suffered from what appeared to be a sinus infection before his condition spiraled into bilateral bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, and ultimately hemorrhagic shock.
The death certificate reportedly states the Kyle Busch racing legend had been sick for “days to weeks” before his death on May 21 in North Carolina. Sepsis was listed as developing roughly one day before he died.
Busch’s condition took a dramatic turn on May 20 when emergency responders were called after he collapsed during simulator practice. Reports tied to a 911 call said Busch was coughing up blood and struggling to breathe before he became unresponsive.
The NASCAR star had previously sought medical attention earlier this month during a race weekend at Watkins Glen. Radio traffic from the event captured Busch asking team personnel to locate a doctor after suffering from what commentators described at the time as a “sinus cold.”
Busch’s family announced on May 21 that he had been hospitalized with a “severe illness” and would miss race weekend activities at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Just hours later, NASCAR confirmed 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,” a joint statement read after his death was announced.
“Kyle was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.”
The Las Vegas native was considered one of the most accomplished drivers in modern NASCAR history. Busch won Cup Series championships in 2015 and 2019 and amassed more than 230 victories across NASCAR’s national series during a career that spanned more than two decades.
Busch had remained active on the track until shortly before his hospitalization and even captured a Truck Series victory at Dover less than two weeks before his death.
In the days following his death, NASCAR removed Busch’s name from the 2026 Cup Series standings following discussions with Richard Childress Racing.
Busch is survived by his wife, Samantha, and the couple’s two children, Brexton and Lennix.
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