Nearly one week after the tragic death of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, his death certificate was released.
Kyle Busch died unexpectedly on May 21, less than 24 hours after being hospitalized for a “severe illness.” He was 41.
Two days after his death, Busch’s family revealed to ESPN that his death was caused by “severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.”
On Wednesday (May 27), Kyle Busch’s official death certificate was released, and confirmed his cause of death. The document, obtained by US Weekly, also shared more details about the NASCAR driver’s sickness. It states that Busch had a sinus infection that progressed into bilateral pneumonia and sepsis.
Busch had bacterial pneumonia “of an undetermined etiology” for “days to weeks” before his death. The pneumonia then progressed to sepsis and, within hours, caused disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
DIC is a blood-clotting disorder that causes your body to develop more blood clots than it needs. It can lead to organ damage and uncontrollable bleeding, according to The Cleveland Clinic. The DIC then sent Busch into hemorrhagic shock, which occurs when the heart cannot get enough blood to function, according to PEOPLE.
Kyle Busch’s Family Responds
Kyle Busch’s wife, Samantha; his children, Brexton (11) and Lennix (4); his parents, Tom and Gaye; and his brother, Kurt, gathered at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday. The family stood in the center of the track ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, where Kyle was scheduled to race.
Kyle’s fellow NASCAR drivers and their families, as well as team members, owners, and other racing dignitaries, surrounded the Busch family in a show of support.
“Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever. Brexton and Lennix, your dad loves you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everyone watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand, they are your family, and we’ve got you,” NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell told Kyle’s wife and children.
Samantha Busch embraced her son as she wept and the crowd showed their support with applause.
O’Donnell concluded, “Kyle Busch is NASCAR. He was one-of-a-kind, and there will never be another.” He then led the packed speedway in a moment of silence in Kyle Busch’s honor.
