Kyle Busch was on the bathroom floor of a General Motors training facility in Concord, North Carolina, on Wednesday when someone called 911 to report he was experiencing shortness of breath, felt he was overheating, and was coughing up blood. He died the following day. He was 41.
The 911 caller, who was not identified on the recording, told the dispatcher: "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 also told dispatch that the man was awake and gave directions to the facility, asking that emergency responders turn off their sirens on arrival. The audio was provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office in response to requests from ABC News and CBS News.
According to the Associated Press, Busch had been testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord that Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte. His family announced Thursday that he had been hospitalized with a "severe illness" and would not compete that weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Coca-Cola 600. Hours after that statement, they announced his death. No cause of death has been provided.
A joint statement from the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing, and NASCAR described the loss as sudden and devastating. "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," the statement said. It called him "fierce," "passionate," and "immensely skilled," and said he "cared deeply about the sport and fans."
A photo tribute appeared Friday outside Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Busch had been scheduled to race. NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell spoke at a news conference there and addressed Busch's career directly. "To me Kyle Busch defines what it means to be a racer in NASCAR," he said. "The sport was truly lucky to have him."
Busch won the NASCAR Cup Series in 2015 and 2019. According to Richard Childress Racing, he recorded 63 wins in the Cup Series and held an all-time NASCAR record with 19 consecutive seasons with a victory, from 2004 through 2023. Across all three NASCAR national series, his career total reached 234 victories over more than two decades. The team's statement noted that he also worked as an owner in the Truck Series, fostering younger drivers.
Former teammate and NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson spoke to CBS Mornings on Friday and said he was struggling to process the news. "I'm kinda lost for words at this moment, but we're gonna miss you, buddy. Gone too soon to say the least," Johnson said. He described Busch as "just that spirited, ruthless competitor on track," adding that if another driver took an inch, Busch would take two, and that opposing drivers gave him a particular kind of respect because of it.
President Trump offered condolences Friday on social media, calling Busch "a true talent who loved NASCAR and its fans." Trump also wrote, "Kyle's wife, Samantha, and their two beautiful children are in our thoughts and prayers" and added, "Rest in Peace Kyle Busch. You will always be a LEGEND!"
Busch is survived by his wife Samantha and their two children.
