NASCAR's Kyle Busch was short of breath, coughing up blood a day before death, 911 call reveals
PBS • • general
Key Points:
- NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died at age 41 after experiencing severe symptoms including shortness of breath, feeling overheated, and coughing up blood the day before his death, according to a 911 call from the day he became unresponsive during simulator testing.
- Busch had been hospitalized with a "severe illness" three days prior to the Coca-Cola 600 race, but no official cause of death has been released by his family or team.
- Richard Childress Racing announced it will retire Busch's No. 8 car in his honor and reserve it for his 11-year-old son Brexton, who is preparing to begin his own racing career.
- The motorsports community and beyond have expressed shock and mourning, with tributes including a moment of silence by the Carolina Hurricanes and statements from NASCAR officials and public figures.
- Busch was a highly accomplished driver with 234 NASCAR national series wins, the most in history, and had recently competed in and won races shortly before his death.