Kyle Busch Update: NASCAR Legend Struggled with Sinus Cold 11 Days Before His Sudden Death
Kyle Busch's cause of death is not clear, but he was struggling with a health issue 11 days ago.
In fact, it was severe enough that the NASCAR legend asked for a "shot" after finishing a race in Watkins Glen, NY, according to NBC News. By May 21, Busch's X page was sharing the news that he was hospitalized for a severe illness, the nature of which was not disclosed. By evening, he was dead at the age of 41, leaving NASCAR stars and fans alike wondering what happened.
On May 16, Busch said, "You can kind of still hear it. I'm still not great. The cough was pretty substantial last week."
Last week at WGI, @KyleBusch called for medical help after the race. He said it was due to a substantial cough. pic.twitter.com/HN4ROPJr0R
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 16, 2026
Kyle Busch Was 'Struggling With a Sinus Cold' on May 10
The incident on May 10 stemmed from a "sinus cold," NBC News reported.
"Busch radioed into his crew near the end of a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, New York, asking a doctor to give him a 'shot' after he finished the race," NBC News reported on May 21 after Busch died. "According to the TV broadcast, Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold that was worsened by the intense G-forces and elevation changes at the road course."
USA Today also noted the incident in its reporting, writing, "FOX Sports noted during its broadcast that he had been fighting a sinus cold. He radioed in to his team to have the track doctor meet him after that race, but he did not elaborate why. He still finished eighth, his best result for the 2026 season."
However, according to NPR, Busch was well enough to compete after that illness.
NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. indicated in an X post that Busch had plans for the near future, writing, "He seemed extremely happy and we had planned to meet up next Thursday to get his seat to the shop." He added, "I will never be able to make sense of this loss.
In 2015, Busch suffered injuries in a crash, but that seems too long ago to be tied to his death now, although how he died is not clear. "He missed the first 11 races of the (2015) season while he was recovering from a compound leg fracture and a broken foot following a crash during the Xfinity Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway in Florida," noted NBC.
What Did Kyle Busch's X Page Say About His Health?
Busch's X page posted just before 9:30 a.m. on May 21 that he was hospitalized. The post was vague about the nature of his illness. It's not clear whether it related to the previous sinus cold.
Busch's X page revealed: "Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation."
Before he died, his racing team released a more hopeful statement, The New York Post reported, writing, "Kyle Busch's health is our upmost priority and he and his family have the full resources of RCR behind them. Kyle is an integral part of our organization and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery. His No. 8 Chevrolet will be ready and waiting for him."
NASCAR later confirmed his death, writing, "We are saddened and heartbroken to share the news of the passing of Kyle Busch, a two-time Cup champion and one of our sport's greatest and fiercest drivers. He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community."
Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha Busch, and two kids.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 5:08 PM.