Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications, according to a statement released by his family.
Dakota Hunter, vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said in a news release the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday.
Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, died at 41 on Thursday, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator.
RELATED STORY | NASCAR’s Kyle Busch was short of breath, coughing up blood day before his death, 911 call reveals
Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Typically the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. The results can cause widespread inflammation, form microscopic blood clots and make blood vessels leak.
Busch was thought to have had a sinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May 10 and radioed in to his team saying that he needed a shot from a doctor after the race.
Busch, who was preparing to race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
RELATED STORY | 2-time NASCAR champion Kyle Busch dead at 41 after battling severe illness
During the emergency call placed late that afternoon, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatcher: Ive got an individual thats (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks hes going to pass out, and is producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.
The caller said Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and told dispatch he is awake, according to audio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office. The man then gave directions on where emergency responders should go and asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.
Busch won 234 races across NASCARs top three series, more than any driver in history.
All 39 drivers in the field for Sundays race will race with a black No. 8 decal on their car to honor Busch.