Watch Kyle Busch’s last interview at the NASCAR track
Kyle Busch’s last post-race interview has resurfaced following the NASCAR driver’s sudden death at age 41.
On Saturday, May 23, as the world of motorsports resumes racing, the Busch family revealed that 41-year-old two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died of severe pneumonia that progressed to sepsis.
“The medical evaluation provided to the Bush family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed to sepsis, causing rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the family said in a statement released Saturday morning. “The family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time.”
Here’s what we know about Kyle Busch’s death.
During the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series broadcast, Michael Waltrip and the FOX Sports 1 commentary team took time to reflect on the remarkable career and enduring legacy of Kyle Busch. They highlighted his record-breaking accomplishments, influence and the passion he brought to the sport.
Kyle Busch’s former spotter Derek Kneeland, who is a key team member who acts as the driver’s eyes on the track, monitoring blind spots, traffic, accidents and changing conditions, shared a heartfelt message about the X. He expressed that it would be a tough day, reflecting the emotional weight heading into the Coca-Cola 600, and asked for support and protection for his team.
Fans continue to pay heartfelt tributes to Kyle Busch, celebrating his incredible career and lasting impact on motorsports.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Bolles announced a special tribute to Kyle Busch during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500. The IMS scoring pylon will be lit in Busch’s honor on lap 18, honoring his contributions and legacy in motorsports.
Several cars competing in the Indianapolis 500 have special stickers honoring Kyle Busch. These stickers display the No. 8, a homage to Busch’s Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet No. 8.
What was Kyle Busch’s cause of death?
The Bush family confirmed Saturday that he had severe pneumonia that progressed to sepsis, resulting in rapid and severe related complications. No additional details were provided. The family has asked for privacy.
How does pneumonia cause death?
Although rare in healthy adults, the progression from viral pneumonia to a deadly bacterial infection can be devastating, according to medical experts not involved in the case.
Viral pneumonia can make the lungs more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. These bacterial infections are among the most dangerous microorganisms a clinician may encounter.
What signs of illness did Kyle Busch have in the days before his death?
As far as we know, Bush had been battling respiratory symptoms for over a week. During the May 10 Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, FOX Sports reported on the air that Busch was battling a sinus cold. Busch radioed during the race and asked for a doctor to pick him up by bus after the race.
Less than a week after winning the May 15 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Dover, Busch spoke about his illness in a video.
“I can’t say I’m great yet,” he said. “My cough last week was pretty bad.”
What we learned from Kyle Busch’s 911 call
The day before Mr. Bush’s death, emergency personnel were called to a General Motors facility in Concord, North Carolina, where Mr. Bush was vomiting blood, according to a phone call obtained by USA Today.
During the call, a man told the dispatcher that Bush was on the bathroom floor, awake but in pain. He said he was vomiting blood, short of breath and very hot.
The caller asked that the sirens be turned off once emergency responders arrived at the complex.
How did the sports world react to Kyle Busch’s death?
Tributes poured in beyond NASCAR, with athletes from across the sports world, major sports franchises, broadcasters and celebrities paying their respects.
The Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens held a moment of silence for Bush before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh.
President Donald Trump also expressed his condolences to Bush’s wife, Samantha, and their two children, Brexton, 11, and Lennix, 4.
