More details about the circumstances of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s death have come to light.
Hours before Busch died at age 41, a 911 call obtained by TMZ reveals that Busch suffered a medical emergency at a training facility in North Carolina.
“I’ve got an individual that’s shortness of breath, very hot,” the caller said. “[He] thinks he’s going to pass out, and he’s producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.”
At the time, the anonymous caller also noted that Busch was still “awake” and conscious, adding, “He’s on the bathroom floor right now.”
News broke on Thursday, May 21, that Busch died.
“We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport’s greatest and fiercest drivers,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community.”
Kyle, who was reportedly found unresponsive in a racing simulator on Thursday, is survived by wife Samantha Busch and their two children.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” the racing organization said in a follow-up statement. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans. Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series.”
The statement concluded, “His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans. NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon.”
Kyle had been hospitalized shortly before his death.
“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the Busch family said in a statement shared early Thursday morning. “He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”
Samantha, 40, has not publicly addressed her husband’s death at the time of publication.
