Two-time NASCAR champion driver Kyle Busch (41) died Thursday from severe pneumonia that progressed into sepsis, according to a family statement reported by multiple media outlets, including ESPN and NPR.

According to ESPN: “The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the Busch family statement read.

Busch was testing in the racing simulator in Concord, North Carolina, on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. Busch experienced shortness of breath, felt he was overheating and was coughing up blood the day before his death, according to a 911 call obtained Friday by ABC News.

Busch was preparing to race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

According to NPR, Busch won 234 races across NASCAR’s top three series over his two-decade career, more than any driver in history.

Sepsis & Pneumonia Awareness

Each year in the United States, pneumonia is associated with tens of thousands of deaths, while sepsis affects more than a million people and contributes to at least 350,000 adult deaths. Worldwide, sepsis is involved in the deaths of about 13 million people a year.

Researchers at University of Michigan Health say the loss may perform an important public service: raising awareness of the critical importance of timely sepsis diagnosis and care.

“Moments like this are painful reminders of how quickly serious infections can become life-threatening,” said Stephanie Parks Taylor, MD, MS, Chief of the Division of Hospital Medicine at University of Michigan Health and a longtime sepsis researcher and specialist. 

“Pneumonia can progress rapidly, and in some cases, it can trigger sepsis — a medical emergency caused by the body’s overwhelming response to infection. Early recognition and rapid treatment are critical, and they can make the difference between recovery and tragedy.”

Taylor and other U-M experts have worked for years to improve sepsis care in Michigan, nationwide and globally.

“While every individual’s medical situation is unique, and the specifics of Kyle Busch’s situation aren’t known, this tragic situation underscores the importance of taking symptoms seriously, especially difficulty breathing, persistent fever, confusion, extreme weakness, chest pain, or a sudden worsening of illness,” said Taylor, who is a Professor of Internal Medicine at the U-M Medical School. 

“Awareness of these symptoms is critical because early recognition and timely treatment save lives.”

The Sepsis Alliance recommends memorizing the word TIME for recognizing sepsis: 

  • T for a temperature that’s higher or lower than normal,
  • I for infection symptoms,
  • M for mental decline including confusion or sleepiness, and
  • E for extremely ill including pain, discomfort and shortness of breath.

Image: NASCAR – Kyle Busch in Action. Kyle Busch’s #18 M&Ms Toyota Car of Tomorrow practices before the 2008 Coca Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway. Image credit: ID 6309425 © Lawrence Weslowski Jr | Dreamstime.com