Jessi Combs Dead

[legion]

https://abc7.com/tv-personality-professional-driver-jessi-combs-dead-at-39/5498617/

BURNS, Ore. -- Television personality and professional driver Jessi Combs died Tuesday in Oregon trying to break a land speed record in a jet car, according to local authorities. She was 39.

The Harney County Sheriff's Office said it was called to a scene of a fatal crash in the Alvord Desert about 90 miles south of Burns, Oregon, around 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Combs, of Long Beach, California, was identified as the sole fatality connected to the accident.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Combs was known for appearances on Discovery's "Mythbusters" and "Break Room" as well as "Overhaulin'" and "All Girls Garage" on Velocity.

"The Discovery and MotorTrend Family is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Jessi Combs. 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," Discovery said in a statement.

Terry Madden, a member of Combs' team, penned an emotional Instagram tribute to Combs after news of her death broke. He wrote in part: "I have never loved or been loved by anyone as much as this amazing woman @thejessicombs she was truly my unicorn and I enjoyed every single minute that I had with her. She was the most amazing spirit that I have ever or will ever know."

[cantdrv55]

Wow that’s terrible. RIP.

[Sooner or later]

Wow.

[sammyg2]

Pretty sure she was 36.
I always liked her and thought she was cool.

Shame, but she died doing what she wanted and she knew the risks and accepted them.

[sammyg2]

On October 9, 2013, Combs drove the North American Eagle (NaE) Supersonic Speed Challenger at the Alvord desert, claiming the women's 4-wheel land speed record with an official run of 398.954 mph (632 km/h) and a top speed of 440.709 mph (709 km/h).

In doing so, she broke the 48-year-old women's land speed record, a 308.51 mph run average, set by Lee Breedlove in 1965.
September 7, 2016 Combs set a new top speed of 477.59 mph driving the Other American Eagle.

[Deschodt]

And another starfighter kills its pilot, this time on wheels..

necessary PPOT disclaimer: I think it's a converted starfighter - looks the part , and I know that jet wasn't that bad in reality and got a bad rep.

RIP, I liked her from back when Mythbusters was smart and funny...

[sammyg2]

Ironic

The list: 1001 car things to do before you die

https://www.autoblog.com/the-list/

[masraum]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Pretty sure she was 36.
I always liked her and thought she was cool.

Shame, but she died doing what she wanted and she knew the risks and accepted them.

I saw the same earlier today.

Definitely a shame. The same nearly happened to the Hamster on Top Gear, but he got very lucky.

[Tobra]

Happened a fifty miles from nowhere. Nowhere being in the vicinity of French Glen

[masraum]

[74-911]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

And another starfighter kills its pilot, this time on wheels..

necessary PPOT disclaimer: I think it's a converted starfighter - looks the part , and I know that jet wasn't that bad in reality and got a bad rep.

RIP, I liked her from back when Mythbusters was smart and funny...

Definitely looks like an F-104 all right.... IIRC the Germans had a lot of them back in the 60's and 70's ??

[flipper35]

I am not sure which takes more skill, piloting one in the air or on the ground.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Happened a fifty miles from nowhere. Nowhere being in the vicinity of French Glen

there is a liquor store in Fields

[drcoastline]

I have no idea who she is but sad news. Condolences.

[GG Allin]

Where exactly in Oregon did this happen? Heard the news, assumed it was Bonneville.

[RWebb]

there is a playa in the SE corner of the state - why she wasn't at Bonneville is a good question

[Sooner or later]

It is the 12 mile long Alvord desert. It has been used for high speed runs since at least the 70's. 500 mph runs have been made there in the past. Just not as famous as the Salt Flats

She was on Myrhbusters for a time. Also a couple of other shows. She was well known for a number of years. This wasn't her first rodeo.

[GG Allin]

When doing 500mph runs, why even bother with a helmet?

[JackDidley]

I hate to see this. Really seemed like a cool chick. She knew her way around the garage for sure.

[flatbutt]

What a shame, talented, cool and quite a dolly. RIP lady.