Kyle Busch had pneumonia for 'days to weeks' before death - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kyle Busch died last week from hemorrhagic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation after complications from bacterial pneumonia led to sepsis, according to the former NASCAR star's death certificate.

Busch had been experiencing symptoms of bacterial pneumonia for «days to weeks» before sepsis set in, according to the certificate obtained by The Associated Press in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

The manner of death was listed as «natural.»

The death certificate also said Busch, who was 41, was cremated in Mooresville, North Carolina, following an autopsy.

His family had announced Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications.

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 had been plenty busy leading up to his death despite being sick.

He 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.

But he continued racing and won the Truck Series race at Dover before finishing 17th in the All-Star race, five days before his death. He also attended the opening of a go-kart track with his 11-year-old son, Brexton, last week.

Busch was preparing for the