Nascar champion Kyle Busch died of pneumonia and sepsis, family says

NASCAR champion Kyle Busch died on Thursday, May 22, 2026, aged 41, after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, causing rapid and overwhelming complications, his family confirmed in a statement to The Athletic. Busch had won two Cup Series titles and 63 races across his 22-season career in NASCAR's top division. He had been scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway that weekend, and NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell confirmed the races would continue in his honor.