What is sepsis? NASCAR racer Kyle Busch’s cause of death revealed

The NASCAR community continues to mourn the death of Kyle Busch, one of the sport’s most accomplished and popular drivers. Busch died on May 21 at age 41 after being hospitalized in Charlotte, North Carolina, with what had initially been described as a “severe illness.”

The two-time Cup Series champion and 2009 Nationwide Series title winner was reportedly found unresponsive in a driving simulator the day before his death, according to The Associated Press. His family has since announced in a statement that the cause of death was sepsis brought on by severe pneumonia.

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Celebrity death: Kyle Busch cause of death released. What we know about pneumonia, sepsis

Memorials popped up in places like Daytona International Speedway in Florida, and well-wishes for his family continued to come in on social media a day after “Rowdy” suddenly passed.

“Our entire NASCAR family is heartbroken by the loss of Kyle Busch,” read a joint statement from NASCAR, Richard Childress Racing and his family. “A future Hall of Famer, Kyle was a rare talent, one who comes along once in a generation. He was fierce, he was passionate, he was immensely skilled and he cared deeply about the sport and fans.

“NASCAR lost a giant for the sport today, far too soon.”

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Here’s what we know about the cause of death of Kyle Busch.

How did Kyle Busch die? Cause of death revealed in a statement

The Busch family announced in a statement May 23 that Kyle Busch died of sepsis set on by severe pneumonia. “The medical evaluation provided to the Busch Family concluded that severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications,” the statement reads.

What is sepsis?

According to the Mayo Clinic, sepsis is a serious condition in which the body reacts severely to an infection. Sepsis causes the immune system to go into overdrive, and may progress to septic shock, triggering widespread inflammation that can damage your own tissues and organs.

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Sepsis is considered a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment, but early treatment increases the chance of survival.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria or a virus that causes inflammation and fluid to build up in air sacs in the lungs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It makes breathing difficult and can cause fever and coughing. Complications from pneumonia include bacteria building up in the bloodstream, which can lead to sepsis and organ failure. Severe cases can require hospitalization. Viral pneumonia can often go away on its own, but bacterial pneumonia can lead to more serious health issues.

What was Kyle Busch hospitalized for?

Busch had been battling medical issues for a while leading up to his death. Near the end of the May 10 Cup Series race at Watkins Glen, Busch was heard on the Fox broadcast requesting medical assistance after finishing. “Can somebody try to find Bill Heisel?” he radioed his team. “Tell him I need him after the race, please.” Busch can later be heard requesting a shot of some kind.