NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch Asked for Doctor During a Race 11 Days Before He Was Hospitalized and Died

Days before NASCAR legend Kyle Busch suddenly died at age 41, he asked for a doctor during a recent Cup Series race.

As seen in video footage from the May 10 race at Watkins Glen, New York, Busch can be heard saying on his radio, “Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel? He’s the kindred doctor guy. Tell him I need him after the race, please.”

“I’m gonna need a shot,” Busch added.

During the TV broadcast, it was reported that Busch had been struggling with a sinus cold.

According to ESPN, his cold seemed to be intensified by the elevation changes in Upstate New York. He reportedly continued to race despite feeling under the weather and finished in eighth place.

Eleven days later on Thursday, May 21, Busch’s family issued a statement on his X account explaining that he had been hospitalized.

“Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization,” the X post said.

“He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” the post added. “We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation.”

Hours later, his family confirmed that he had died.

A joint statement from the Busch family, his racing team Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR read, “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,” the statement continued. “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.”

“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,” the statement said.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy and continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” the statement concluded. “Further updates will be shared as appropriate.”

Earlier this week, Busch celebrated his son Brexton Locke’s 11th birthday. In a touching Instagram tribute that included sweet photos of the two embracing, he wrote, “Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!”