Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says [View all]

Source: Associated Press, via NPR

Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says

May 23, 20261:35 PM ET
By The Associated Press


Kyle Busch is introduced during the NASCAR All-Star auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Dover, Del.
Derik Hamilton/AP

CONCORD, N.C. -- Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications, according to a statement released by his family. ... Dakota Hunter, vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said in a news release the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday. ... Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, died at 41 on Thursday, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator.

Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Typically the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. The results can cause widespread inflammation, form microscopic blood clots and make blood vessels leak.

Busch was thought to have had a sinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May 10 and radioed in to his team saying that he needed a "shot" from a doctor after the race. ... However, he bounced back to win the Trucks Series race at Dover last weekend, and then he finished 17th in the All-Star race on Sunday.

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Read more: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/23/nx-s1-5832553/kyle-busch-death-sepsis