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Former host of Mythbusters and Overhaulin Jessi Combs was killed attempting a new land-speed record in a jet-car on Tuesday in the Alvord Desert in Oregon.
Referred to as the “fastest woman on four wheels,” Combs was attempting to break her own previous world record, set in 2013, of 398-mph with a top speed of 440-mph.
According to KTVZ News, the Harney County Sheriff’s Office said it received a 911 call shortly after 4 p.m. alerting them to the crash.
In October of 2018, Combs set a new top speed of 483.227-mph in the same record-setting car, the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger, during a shakedown run in the Alvord Desert. Mechanical issues, however, denied her a chance at a new official speed record after that run.
In addition to attempting speed records, Combs was an accomplished racer, taking first-place in her class at the King of Hammers off-road event in 2016 and finishing second in her class at the 2015 Baja 1000.
Combs also previously hosted All Girls Garage on Velocity, Spike TV’s Xtreme 4×4, and was a skilled metal fabricator who designed her own line of women’s welding equipment.
A few days ago, Combs posted a photo to social media of herself and the jet-car with the caption, “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 ;).”
She also posted a photo of herself thanking her supporters.
“I just want to thank all of you for your support and loyalty. That’s all. Have a nice day :),” she wrote.
The details of the crash have not been released at this time.
Combs was 36. She will be missed.
[Jalopnik]