“The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the family’s statement read. The family asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. In some cases—especially when the infection advances quickly or affects both lungs—it can lead to respiratory failure and sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that can cause organ failure, doctors say.
Busch won two Cup Series titles and was one of NASCAR’s most recognizable figures, with a career that included hundreds of wins across NASCAR’s top national series. Tributes from fellow drivers, teams and fans poured in after news of his death.
What is severe pneumonia?
“When we look at people in the 40’s who are sick enough to get admitted to the hospital, about 1% of them will die of pneumonia,” Ryan Maves, MD, FCCP, Chair of the CHEST organization’s infections network and a Professor at Wake Forest, told USA TODAY Sports. He wanted to make it clear he does not know about Busch directly, but this is what he teaches at Wake Forest.