By Mallory Mattingly
NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, 41, suddenly died last week, leaving behind his wife and two kids.
Earlier this week, his family revealed his cause of death: severe pneumonia that quickly advanced into sepsis.
“The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the vice president of Kyle Busch Companies explained in a statement, according to TODAY. “The Family asks for continued understanding and privacy during this difficult time.”
Pneumonia is an “infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia,” Mayo Clinic defined.
Sepsis “is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly,” the Mayo Clinic shared.
Related: Two-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch Dies at 41
Dr. John Torres, NBC News’ medical correspondent, explained how exactly the illness took Busch’s life so quickly.
“Sepsis is not the infection,” he said. “Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming response to the infection. The immune system kicks into overdrive, and it starts affecting the organs and other parts of the body, and that’s what ends up being deadly.”
Sepsis, if caught early, can be treated quickly and proactively, with many people returning to full health. However, some people still suffer from lifelong chronic ailments.
According to Torres, “there’s a lot we don’t know about sepsis. We do know that treatment is paramount, and treatment early is an extremely important time.”
The NASCAR community has rallied around Busch’s family and honored his life and legacy.
“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” a joint statement from NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing and the Busch Family announcing his death on May 21 read. “A future Hall of Famer, 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.
“Throughout a career that spanned more than two decades, Kyle set records in national series wins, won championships at NASCAR’s highest level and fostered the next generation of drivers as an owner in the Truck Series,” the statement continued. “His sharp wit and competitive spirit sparked a deep emotional connection with race fans of every age, creating the proud and loyal ‘Rowdy Nation.’ Our thoughts are with Samantha, Brexton and Lennix, Kyle and Samantha’s parents, Kurt and all of Kyle’s family, Richard and Judy Childress, everyone at Richard Childress Racing, his teammates, friends and fans.”
“NASCAR lost a giant of the sport today, far too soon. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Further updates will be shared as appropriate,” the post concluded.
Please keep Busch’s family and friends in your prayers as they mourn his sudden death.
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