NASCAR driver Kyle Busch died at age 41 after severe pneumonia developed into sepsis, according to a statement from his family. Busch became unresponsive while testing a Chevrolet simulator in North Carolina and was rushed to a hospital, where he later passed away.
Reports say Busch had been dealing with what seemed like a sinus illness in recent weeks, though it’s unclear if it was connected to the pneumonia that caused his death. Despite feeling unwell, he still raced the weekend before, winning a Truck Series race at Dover and finishing 17th in the NASCAR All-Star Race — the final race of his career.
Known as “Rowdy,” Busch was a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most successful and controversial drivers, earning more than 60 Cup wins during his legendary career. Off the track, he and his wife Samantha were also known for helping couples through their Bundle of Joy Fund charity.