NASCAR star Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says

NASCAR star Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia led to sepsis and rapidly escalating complications, according to a statement released by his family.

Dakota Hunter, who is the vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said the family received the medical findings on Saturday.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MAY 01: Kyle Busch, driver of the #7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, is seen on pit road prior to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway on May 01, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)

Busch’s death was announced on Thursday after he was hospitalized with what his family and racing team previously described as “a severe illness.”

Busch was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord 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 by the AP on Friday.

President Donald Trump described Busch as “a true talent” who loved NASCAR and his fans. He celebrated Busch’s accomplishments during a career that made him one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history.

“Kyle was a WINNER!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He was a two-time Cup Champion, and holds the All-Time Record for WINS in NASCAR’s Top Three series.”

Busch won titles in 2015 and 2019 and amassed 234 victories across NASCAR’s top three national series — the most in the sport’s modern era. He also captured another Truck Series victory just days before his death.

Trump expressed condolences to Busch’s wife, Samantha, and the couple’s two children. He referenced Samantha Busch’s advocacy work related to in vitro fertilization, noting she visited the White House last October.

“She truly loved Kyle,” Trump wrote. “Rest in Peace Kyle Busch. You will always be a LEGEND!”

Vice President JD Vance also took to social media to honor Busch.

“I had the opportunity to meet Kyle, one of NASCAR’s greatest racers, on the campaign trail in 2024,” Vance said. “Usha and I are praying for him and his family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”

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EDITOR’S NOTE: The Associated Press contributed to this report.