TV host, 36, tragically killed during land-speed record attempt
The family of racer and TV host Jessi Combs confirmed Wednesday that Combs died in a crash while attempting to set a land-speed record on Tuesday.
Combs, 36, was racing in the Alvord Desert in Oregon while attempting to set the land-speed record for women.
She had been chasing the mark of 512 MPH that was set in 1976 by Kitty O’Neil.
“Jessi was known for her bright smile, positivity, and tenacious pursuit of the fulfillment of her dreams,” a statement from her family said.
“Her drive was infectious, and she served as a role model for young girls, and women around the world. People that loved her and followed her became family, all bonded together by adventure and passion.
“Her fans adored her, and she lived to inspire them. Jessi’s most notable dream was to become the fastest woman on Earth, a dream she had been chasing since 2012.
“Combs was one of the rare dreamers with the bravery to turn those possibilities into reality, and she left this earth driving faster than any other woman in history.”
Authorities say Combs was pronounced dead at the scene after they responded to a 911 call for a crash.
Combs set the four-wheel land speed record for women in 2013 and again in 2016.
According to Car And Driver, the 36-year-old Combs is widely known in racing circles as the “fastest woman on four wheels” and broke a record in 2013 with a run of 393mph (632km/h).
Tributes for Combs poured in on social media, following news of the 36-year-old's death.
Saddened to hear the passing of Jessi Combs. Crashed her jet car doing a land speed run. She was not just another pretty face. She was a welder, fabricator and a race car driver. Winning “king of the hammers” race and partaking in many forms of motorsports.
She will be missed pic.twitter.com/cWPxasbCCJ— Chasing Racing (@Chasin_Racing) August 28, 2019
I am so, so sorry to hear this news. R.I.P. Jessi Combs. You were a hero to both men and women. What a sweetheart you were!!! pic.twitter.com/fBOefQWk9o
— Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) August 28, 2019
Our SEMA community labors today with the heaviest of hearts and a tremendous sense of loss.
Jessi Combs was a modern day motorsports hero in the old-school SEMA mold. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/z80dyBC1qe— SEMA Members (@SEMAMembers) August 28, 2019
RIP Jessi Combs, subbed for a season on #Mythbusters, killed yesterday trying to break her own land speed record. Badass & awesome. https://t.co/Bx7Wzde4vp pic.twitter.com/ibjBBiMoYg
— Brian Dunning (@BrianDunning) August 28, 2019
We have lost an incredible person in our world. I woke up to very sad news that Jessi Combs is no longer with us. I will always remember how great of person and inspiration she was to so many men and women alike! She broke barriers and constantly achieve… https://t.co/KmHoeriDM7 pic.twitter.com/9NkxaSfHkG
— Vaughn Gittin Jr. (@VaughnGittinJr) August 28, 2019
Combs tweeted a picture over the weekend of the jet vehicle she was using to go after the overall land speed record for women.
It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things. .
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People say I’m crazy. I say thank you ;)
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.#fastestwomanonearth #almost #fasterthanfast #jetcar #afterburner #landpsee… https://t.co/IrnCQQWMGJ pic.twitter.com/A5NZ6Luq0u— Jessi Combs (@TheJessiCombs) August 24, 2019
The host of “All Girls Garage,” Combs also appeared on the popular show “Mythbusters” and other shows. She was also an accomplished welder.
"The Discovery and MotorTrend Family is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Jessi Combs,” a statement from Discovery said.
“She was a friend and colleague, an icon in the industry, and an undeniable force of nature who left an indelible mark on the car world. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones."
With Yahoo Sports US