Kyle Busch reportedly experienced shortness of breath, overheating, and was coughing up blood the day before his death, according to a 911 call obtained by The Associated Press on Friday.
The NASCAR star died on Thursday at the age of 41. While an official cause of death has not been released, his family previously confirmed that he had been hospitalized with what was described as a “severe illness” just days before he was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
According to multiple individuals familiar with the situation, Busch was inside a racing simulator at a Chevrolet facility in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was later taken to a hospital in Charlotte. Those individuals spoke anonymously as the information has not been officially released by his team or family.
In the emergency call, an unidentified person at the facility described the situation to dispatch, saying the driver was struggling with breathing difficulties, felt extremely hot, and was coughing up blood while lying on the bathroom floor. The caller also confirmed that Busch was conscious at the time while waiting for medical assistance.
NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell later spoke to reporters, but declined to provide details about the cause of death, citing respect for the family’s request for privacy. He said the organization believes more clarity will come in time, while emphasizing Busch’s legacy and impact on the sport.
O’Donnell reflected on Busch’s personality and career, describing him as fiercely competitive and unforgettable within the racing world. He also recalled past moments of tension with NASCAR, noting that Busch’s rebellious spirit made him a standout figure in the sport.
He added that Busch may be considered for future Hall of Fame recognition, highlighting his achievements across NASCAR’s three national series, including 234 career victories.
The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the motorsports community during one of racing’s biggest weekends, with teams, drivers, and organizations paying tribute in various ways, including moments of silence and public messages of condolence.
Drivers who competed alongside Busch expressed disbelief, with some noting that he had seemed completely normal in the days leading up to the incident, including after his most recent Truck Series victory.
In the final days before his death, Busch had also posted a birthday message for his son, Brexton Busch, on Instagram — a detail that has since added to the emotional impact felt by fans and the racing community.
NASCAR officials confirmed that racing events would continue as scheduled, saying that Busch himself would likely have wanted competition to go on in his honor.
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