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Kyle Busch cause of death: Chilling 911 call reveals medical emergency details; 'coughing up blood'
Kyle Busch became unresponsive Wednesday while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator at a facility in Concord, North Carolina.
NASCAR two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died Thursday at the age of 41, his family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR confirmed in a joint statement.
"On behalf of the Busch family, everyone at Richard Childress Racing and all of NASCAR, we are devastated to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kyle Busch," a joint statement said.
"Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken ... 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.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family's privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Also Read: Kyle Busch family: All on NASCAR Cup Series champion's wife, kids after sudden death
Medical emergency details
Kyle Busch became unresponsive Wednesday while testing in a Chevrolet racing simulator at a facility in Concord, North Carolina. He was transported to a Charlotte-area hospital.
According to a TMZ report and 911 audio obtained by the outlet, Busch was struggling to breathe, overheating, and coughing up blood before collapsing. The emergency call was placed around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"I've got an individual that's shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he's going to pass out, and he's producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood," the caller told dispatch. The caller repeatedly confirmed Busch was still conscious at the time, "He is awake. He's awake. He's awake."
Busch was reportedly lying on the bathroom floor inside the training facility when paramedics were called. He had been using the simulator extensively since joining Richard Childress Racing.
The Associated Press previously reported that Busch had been hospitalized with a severe but undisclosed illness.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of death.
Tributes pour in
Fellow NASCAR drivers quickly paid tribute to the driver.
"There aren't really words for today," Hyak Motorsports driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. wrote on X.
"I've raced against Kyle for a long time, and anyone who's lined up next to him knows exactly what made him special, he gave you everything he had, every single lap, and he made all of us better for it.
“Rest easy, Rowdy. The sport won't be the same without you.”
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin added, “Absolutely cannot comprehend this news. We just need to think of his family during this time.”
