U.S. driver Jessi Combs killed in bid to break land-speed record

 

Jessi Combs participates in a panel during the Discovery Communications cable television sessions at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, California August 2, 2012. REUTERS/Phil McCarten

 

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Race car driver Jessi Combs, host of the television series "All Girls Garage," was killed in a high-speed crash while trying to set a new land-speed record, her family said on Wednesday.

 

Combs, 39, was attempting to become the fastest woman on Earth when she was killed while racing on Tuesday on the Alvord Desert, a dry lake bed in southeastern Oregon, the family said in a statement.

 

The details of the crash were not released.

 

"Jessi’s most notable dream was to become the fastest woman on Earth, a dream she had been chasing since 2012," the statement said. "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, who began her career as a builder of hot-rod cars, was seen on television in a number of auto shows, including "Overhaulin'," "Truck U," "MythBusters" and "All Girls Garage."

 

Combs' close friend and teammate Terry Madden called her an "amazing spirit."

 

"Unfortunately we lost her yesterday in a horrific accident, I was the first one there and trust me we did everything humanly possible to save her!!," he said in an Instagram posting.

 

Combs had chronicled her attempt on social media to beat the 512-mile-per-hour women's land-speed record set in 1976 by American Kitty O'Neil, who died last November.

 

In a posting on Instagram this week, Combs wrote, "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."

 

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-08-29

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Rip brave soul

Brave?  She gambled with her own life and lost , Hope she did not have any kids.  RIP.  

 

For those who have never driven fast, the difference between 120 and 160mph is far scarier and much more of an adrenaline rush  (even in a 911) than the initial 0-120.

 

512mph?  I cannot even fathom it.  When it comes to guts, this woman was in the .01%

 

May she Rest In Peace.

More steel balls than me. RIP

25 minutes ago, balo said:

Brave?  She gambled with her own life and lost , Hope she did not have any kids.  RIP.  

 

It takes courage to hit 300+mph on the ground brave apples and gamble as well rip madam

Trying to catch the wind... regrettably, being a daredevil has it price to pay...

Balls or no balls. Crazy or no crazy. She finally achieved the inevitable. 

512 +

Nuff said.

Rest in Peace Jessi

My personal record is 147. I chickened out after that. But just around 110 is nice for me on a good road late at night.

 

When I bought a car last year the dealer tried to talk me into a version with a top speed of 211mph. I said no thanks. That's the dichotomy of old age. You can afford it, but have the common sense not to buy it.

 

RIP brave lady,ya had more balls then me.

Off-topic post reported and removed.  

Not many people like her around these days...there may be a reason not too many people are willing to risk their lives to get recognition...????

What is it good for to break the land speed record (and this is reached only under very special conditions) . I don't understand such people. There are easier ways to get into the news. 

14 minutes ago, Beggar said:

What is it good for to break the land speed record (and this is reached only under very special conditions) . I don't understand such people. There are easier ways to get into the news. 

You don't understand them because you aren't like them, to do what no one else has done before.

My condolences to her family...

 

I was a competitive racer in my younger days.  I understand her way of thinking.  The love of competition, loving the adrenaline, and......knowing all of the risks. 

 

She had great skill, great courage, and.....she went doing what she loved to do the most.

 

R.I.P Jessi

Edited August 29, 20196 yr by JMSIII
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5 hours ago, Tug said:

It takes courage to hit 300+mph on the ground brave apples and gamble as well rip madam

and that is necessary because....?  oh fame. Can't beat stupid.