Sport3 min(s) read
Published 15:39 28 May 2026 GMT
The tragic passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch due to sepsis could have been avoided, according to a doctor.
Busch suddenly passed away on May 21, aged 41, as his family later confirmed that he had developed "severe pneumonia," which later "progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications."
They had initially said in a joint statement with NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing that the racing icon contracted a "severe illness" which led to his death.
Describing him as a "rare talent", "passionate", and "immensely skilled," Busch was said to be a talent who "comes along once in a generation."
The veteran was midway through his 22nd season competing in NASCAR prior to the health episode, as audio from a 911 call revealed that he was "coughing up blood" before being taken to hospital.
He is survived by his wife, Samantha, and their two children, who are aged 11 and four.
But according to one doctor, the father's death could have been avoided if he had done one thing differently.
Dr. Jesse Morse is a board-certified Sports & Family medicine specialist, and he took to X to explain that the NASCAR legend's passing shouldn't have happened.
He explained: "This was a totally preventable situation. Hindsight is 2020, but ideally, when he was calling for help and a 'shot' from his doctor two weeks ago.
"The proper protocol would’ve been to have him admitted to the hospital and get IV antibiotics with proper monitoring."
Busch was heard asking his team to have "a shot" ready for him after his race at Watkins Glen International on May 10.
The doctor noted: "Based on what we have heard, this was not the case, and his medical team allowed him to maintain his strenuous activities despite this ongoing infection that eventually evolved into pneumonia."
While Busch raced and emerged victorious the following week at Dover, the doctor said that his will to win "ended up being a double-edged sword."
"The fact that he won a race less than a week before he passed away, meaning that he was still actively dealing with this infection, is nothing short of extraordinary," he noted.
"It shows you how good of shape he was in and also the power of the mind."
Sadly, the doctor pointed out: "Unfortunately, his powerful mind ended up being a double-edged sword, preventing him from getting the proper care he deserved, which unfortunately led to his shocking passing."
He noted that the medical evaluation given to his family concluded by quoting the family's statement about Busch's passing, and by paying his own respects to the legend.
In a statement, which was shared with USA Today, it read: "The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.
“The family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, pneumonia is defined as inflammation and fluid in the lungs which are caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
On the other hand, sepsis is a severe reaction to an infection that can be considered life-threatening.
This can develop quickly, resulting in the immune system harming healthy tissue and organs, with experts recommending that you seek urgent treatment in hospital.
