Jessi Combs death: Race car driver and Mythbusters TV star dies in crash, aged 36

Combs was attempting to hit 619mph

Race car driver Jessi Combs has died in a crash at the age of 36.

The television star was attempting to break her own land-speed record when she crashed, according to a spokesperson for the family.

“It is with extreme grief, and in celebration of her life that her family and close friends share that race car driver, and TV personality Jessi Combs, passed away in a fatal crash, as she pursued setting a land speed record in the North American Eagle on August 27th 2019 on a dry lake bed in Oregon. The details of the crash have not been released at this time,” the spokesperson told Yahoo.

“Jessi was known for her bright smile, positivity, and tenacious pursuit of the fulfilment of her dreams,” the statement continues. “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.”

Combs was referred to as the “fastest woman on four wheels” after she broke the women’s four-wheeled speed record in 2013 with a speed of 398mph in her jet-powered North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger.

In October, Combs set a speed record of 483mph, but the run ended early because of mechanical issues.

On Sunday, Combs had announced on Instagram that she intended to beat her record, captioning a photo of her jet car: “It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things...

“People say I’m crazy. I say thank you.”

At the time of her death, Combs was attempting to hit a speed of 619mph, according to her Instagram.

In addition to racing, Combs appeared on TV shows including All Girls Garage, Overhaulin’ and MythBusters.

Combs’ teammate Terry Madden confirmed her death on Instagram, writing that Combs was the “most amazing spirit that I have ever or will ever know”.

“She was truly my unicorn and I enjoyed every single minute that I had with her,” he wrote.

On social media, Combs’ death was met with an outpouring of grief from those in the racing industry.

Among those sharing their condolences was motorcycle racer Valerie Thompson, who shared a photo of herself with Combs following the news.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I pass along the news that Jessi Combs passed away yesterday while attempting to break a land speed record,” Thompson wrote on Twitter. “I also had the chance to attempt this record but it wasn’t my turn... this hits home for me. Godspeed, Jessi Combs.”

Race car driver Vaughn Gittin Jr also shared a tribute to Combs on social media.

“We have lost an incredible person in our world,” he wrote. “She broke barriers and constantly achieved her goals through persistence and passion.”