The NASCAR world is still grappling with the shocking death of Kyle Busch after newly released 911 audio revealed chilling details about the racing legend’s final moments. Busch, one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, tragically died on Thursday at age 41 after being hospitalized with what was described as a “severe” illness. An official cause of death has not yet been announced.

Kyle Busch Was Reportedly Struggling To Breathe Before Hospitalization

According to newly surfaced 911 audio obtained by TMZ, an emergency call was placed around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday from a training facility in Concord, North Carolina, where Busch had reportedly been preparing for this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte.

During the call, the person speaking with dispatch described Busch as experiencing alarming symptoms. The caller said Busch was suffering from shortness of breath, appeared “very hot,” and was coughing up blood. “[He] thinks he’s going to pass out, and he’s producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood,” the caller reportedly said.

The person repeatedly assured dispatchers that Busch was still conscious at the time. “He is awake. He’s awake. He’s awake,” the caller stressed.

According to reports, Busch was lying on a bathroom floor inside the facility as employees prepared for emergency responders to arrive. The caller also reportedly asked paramedics to turn off their sirens before approaching the building and said someone would wait outside to guide them through a side entrance.

Busch Was Reportedly Training In Simulator Before Medical Emergency

Additional details surrounding Busch’s medical emergency have also begun to emerge. According to the Associated Press, Busch is believed to have been using a Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord when he suddenly became ill.

Sources familiar with the situation reportedly told the outlet the simulator was being used to help Busch prepare for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, recreating the track’s motion and intense G-forces drivers experience during races.

Chevrolet previously described the technology as being “as close as drivers can get to racing without actually strapping in.” Reports state Busch later became unresponsive inside the simulator before being rushed to the hospital.

Kyle Busch Had Recently Battled Health Issues During Race Weekend

Busch’s hospitalization came less than two weeks after he requested medical assistance mid-race. During a May 10 Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, Busch reportedly radioed his crew asking for medical help from Dr. Bill Heisel and requesting a “shot” after the race.

According to the race broadcast, Busch had been battling a sinus cold, which was reportedly worsened by the elevation changes and intense physical demands of the course. Despite the setback, Busch returned to the track and secured his record fifth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series trophy just days later on May 15.

NASCAR, Fans, And Even WWE Paid Tribute To Kyle Busch

As the NASCAR world mourns Busch’s sudden passing, tributes have continued pouring in from fans, racing organizations, and even the professional wrestling community.

Charlotte Motor Speedway announced plans to honor Busch during this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600, with a special Jumbotron tribute planned throughout race festivities. The tribute carries extra weight, as Busch had originally been scheduled to compete in the event before his shocking death.

Beyond the track, fans quickly found another way to honor Busch’s memory: supporting a cause close to his heart. In the hours following news of his passing, an outpouring of donations reportedly flooded Kyle and Samantha Busch’s Bundle of Joy charity, an organization dedicated to helping couples struggling with infertility.

According to the charity’s website, many supporters made donations in symbolic amounts tied to Busch’s racing legacy, including $18.18 and $18.08, nods to the iconic No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota M&M’s car and No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro he famously drove throughout his career.

Tributes also poured in from an unexpected corner of the sports world. WWE fans remembered Busch’s brief but memorable crossover into professional wrestling, when “Rowdy” Busch briefly captured the WWE 24/7 Championship after pinning R-Truth with help from Michael Waltrip during an episode of “Monday Night Raw” in Nashville back in 2019.

Busch also famously celebrated his 2009 Texas Motor Speedway victory while holding a WWE championship belt, cementing his crossover appeal far beyond the NASCAR garage.

Kyle Busch’s Final Racing Words Are Now Breaking Hearts

Following Busch’s death, fans have resurfaced what is now being viewed as a heartbreaking final interview. After securing his 69th career Truck Series victory at Dover, Busch was asked how many more wins he hoped to collect before eventually stepping away from racing.

His response has since taken on an emotional new meaning. “You take whatever you can get, man,” Busch said. “You never know when the last one is going to be, so cherish them all – trust me.”

The Chilling 911 Audio Reveals Kyle Busch’s Final Moments Before Death first appeared on The Blast