Kyle Busch News: NASCAR Icon Spoke About 'Substantial Cough,' Needing 'Shot' Before His Death
The mystery surrounding NASCAR legend Kyle Busch's sudden death is unresolved, but Busch did shed light on his health issues in a video and radio transmission just days before he died.
The Athletic's Jeff Gluck posted the video on X, writing, "Last week at WGI, @KyleBusch called for medical help after the race. He said it was due to a substantial cough." The May 16 post shows Busch speaking on video about his health issues. By May 21, he was dead after falling unresponsive while inside a racing simulator. He was rushed to the hospital; the cause of death has not been released.
Audio has also emerged of Busch asking for a doctor to give him a "shot" on May 10.
Busch's X page revealed: "Kyle has experienced a severe illness resulting in hospitalization. He is currently undergoing treatment and will not compete in any of his scheduled activities this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. We ask for understanding and privacy as our family navigates this situation."
In the Short Video, Kyle Busch Revealed, 'I'm Still Not Great'
Last week at WGI, @KyleBusch called for medical help after the race. He said it was due to a substantial cough. pic.twitter.com/HN4ROPJr0R
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 16, 2026
In the video, Busch was responding to concerns about his health after requesting a "shot" after a race in New York.
"You can kind of still hear it. I'm still not great. The cough was pretty substantial last week," he said in the video posted by Gluck.
Fans weighed in on the comment thread, with some questioning whether Busch could have had walking pneumonia, but this has not been confirmed by his family. "Who knew that would turn into him passing away. Infections can spread quickly, if that was the issue. RIP ROWDY," a fan wrote.Added another, "Had a friend (30 something) die of pneumonia pre Covid. A healthy individual who, we think, didn't think it was too serious/just a cold." How Busch died, though, is not clear.
Kyle Busch Received a 'Shot' After Feeling Unwell on May 10
Kyle Busch has asked for a doctor to meet him after the race at Watkins Glen. pic.twitter.com/8kfcVEqwjs
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) May 10, 2026
May 10 was the first date where it became clear to the public that Busch wasn't feeling well.
"Kyle Busch has suffered from a sinus cold all week... He has asked to have medical attention available after the race," the announcer said in the broadcast, which includes a radio transmission from Busch.
"Can someone try to find Bill Heisel, the Kindred doctor guy," Busch said, adding, "Tell him that I need him after the race...I'm going to need a shot." The announcer said, "It can't be any fun when you're head is completely stuffed up like that."
According to People, Heisel "is the director of OrthoCarolina Motorsports and leads a team of doctors who provide care at NASCAR races." Those comments from Busch came at the Watkins Glen International on May 10, People reported.
According to E! News, "Earlier this year, Kyle was hospitalized after severely cutting his leg when a stool he was standing on broke." The cut required 24 stitches.
Whether any of the previous ailments is tied to his death though is not yet clear.
Busch leaves behind his wife, Samantha, and their two kids. He is from a racing family; his brother, Kurt Busch, is also a NASCAR legend.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 7:06 AM.