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NASCAR champion Kyle Busch's cause of death confirmed after his sudden passing at 41

Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch died earlier this week after being taken to hospital due to a severe illness - and now the specifics of how it happened have been shared

[NASCAR icon Kyle Busch passed away suddenly on May 21.]

NASCAR icon Kyle Busch passed away suddenly on May 21.(Image: Getty Images)

The family of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch has confirmed in a statement that he tragically passed away at the age of 41 after suffering from severe pneumonia, which developed into sepsis. The shocking news of his sudden death earlier this week followed a brief illness, with the exact cause now disclosed.

In a statement shared by American journalist Jenna Fryer, the family revealed: "The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications.

"The family asks for continued understanding and privacy."

[A tribute to Kyle Busch prior to practice for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200]

A tribute to Kyle Busch prior to practice for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200(Image: Getty Images)

Just two days prior, the American racing series released a heart-wrenching statement: "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," it read.

"He was 41 years old. We extend our deepest condolences to the Busch family, Richard Childress Racing and the entire motorsports community."

Busch was scheduled to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend, but on the day of his passing, it was announced that he had been hospitalised due to "a severe illness" and would not be participating.

[Kyle Busch celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200]

Kyle Busch celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ECOSAVE 200(Image: Getty Images)

Tributes have since flooded in for the motorsport icon, who clinched NASCAR Cup Series titles in 2015 and 2019.

With a total of 63 victories, Busch ranks ninth on the all-time list, with 56 of those wins achieved during his 15-year tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Following his tragic passing, a poignant joint-statement was issued on behalf of his family, Richard Childress Racing team and NASCAR.

It said: "Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch. 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.

[Kyle Busch prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race in May 2016.]

Kyle Busch prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race in May 2016.(Image: Getty Images)

"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."

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