More details surrounding the tragic death of Kyle Busch, who died yesterday, May 21, at the age of 41, are beginning to emerge. The news shocked and saddened the racing world.
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The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion had withdrawn from this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 race due to an undisclosed "severe illness."
Kyle Busch Became Unresponsive in the Simulator
As reported yesterday, Busch requested medical assistance over the team radio during the closing stages of the Watkins Glen International race on May 10.
During the broadcast, Mike Joy of FOX Sports noted that Busch had been battling what he described as a "sinus cold" throughout the week. He told reporters before last Sunday's All-Star Race that he was still dealing with it.
"I'm still not great," said Busch. "The cough was pretty substantial last week."
It's still unclear if this had anything to do with his death. Busch's cause of death has yet to be released. However, the Associated Press reported that the NASCAR driver had "difficulty breathing" at the Chevrolet racing simulator on Wednesday, May 20.
Data indicates a call was made from the GM Technical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, around 5:30 p.m. on May 20. FOX Sports broadcaster Chris Myers confirmed the report.
He said, "He went to a simulator and kind of collapsed and then all of a sudden he's in the hospital, and this is sped right up."
Tributes to Busch Are Pouring In
At the time of his death, Busch competed in his 22nd full-time season in NASCAR's Cup Series. He won two Cup Series championships and recorded 63 race victories.
In the hours since the legendary driver's death, tributes have come pouring in. Before the start of Game 1 of the NHL's Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens, there was a moment of silence for Busch. A montage of his achievements then played.
Also, the scoring pylon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was lit up in tribute to Busch yesterday.
"He was a fan favorite, loved for his competitive spirit and passion. He understood what racing and winning at Indianapolis means," said IMS President J. Douglas Boles in a statement.
ESPN's Marty Smith said that Busch's "legacy is a titan of the NASCAR world and of the auto racing world in general."
