The 41-year-old pilot had been ill while practicing on the simulator. He had suffered breathing problems and was coughing up blood. The tribute from the NASCAR CEO: “Busc, a tough American”
NASCAR driver Kyle Busch who died on Thursday 21 May at the age of 41 had suffered respiratory problems the day before his death. According to what was obtained from a phone call made to the US emergency number 911, which the agency Associated Press he heard, the man had a high temperature and was coughing up blood. No cause of death was given, although the 41-year-old’s family previously said he was hospitalized with a “serious illness” three days before competing in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
the illness
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Busch was taking a test in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he lost consciousness and was transported to a Charlotte hospital, the outlet was told Associated Press several people who however requested anonymity. Audio from the emergency call was provided by the Carrabus County Sheriff’s Office. During the late afternoon call from the General Motors training facility, an unidentified person says, “I have an individual who is short of breath, very hot, thinks he’s about to pass out, and is coughing up some blood.” Busch was reportedly lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and the caller tells the dispatcher “he’s awake.” The man then gives directions on where the rescuers should go, asking them to turn off any sirens upon arrival.
“the sting”
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Another significant fact about Busch’s health comes from the very recent past. On May 11, at the end of a race at Watkins Glen, Busch asked for “a shot” from the medical team. A few days later, on Saturday 16 May, after the race he told the media that he still wasn’t feeling very well: “I had a bad cough last week”.
tribute
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At a press conference on Friday the 22nd, NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell refused to answer any questions about the cause of death or any health problems that may have afflicted Busch. “We’re 24 hours away from receiving a phone call and, out of respect for the family and they have asked for privacy, I won’t say anything,” O’Donnell said. “But transparency is something we all believe in.” O’Donnnell spoke at length about Busch’s legacy, his rebellious nature, calling him “a tough American.”
La Gazzetta dello Sport
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