The Tragic Death of Jessi Combs: A Racing Legend’s Final Run

Jessi Combs, known as the “fastest woman on four wheels,” was a talented television host, professional racer, and skilled metal fabricator.

Her passion for speed and cars led her to break numerous racing records, but her life was cut short in a tragic accident that shocked the automotive community and her fans worldwide.

What happened on that fateful day, and what were the circumstances surrounding her untimely death?

Born on July 27, 1980, in Rapid City, South Dakota, Jessi Combs was the daughter of Jamie Combs and Nina Darrington.

Growing up with a passion for speed and machinery, she was encouraged by her family to explore her interests, which included off-road racing and automotive design.

After graduating from Stevens High School in 1998, Jessi initially pursued a career in snowboarding but soon realized it was too physically demanding.

She redirected her focus to automotive fabrication, enrolling at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, where she graduated at the top of her class in 2004.

Jessi’s early career involved building cars for television shows, which eventually led her to become a prominent figure in the automotive world.

Jessi Combs made her television debut as a guest fabricator on “Overhaulin’” and later became a co-host on “Extreme 4X4.”

Her skills and charisma quickly gained her recognition, and she went on to appear in shows like “MythBusters,” where she showcased her engineering talents and racing prowess.

Throughout her career, Jessi participated in numerous high-profile races, including the SCORE Baja 1000 and the Ultra 4 King of the Hammers.

She consistently broke records and inspired many women to pursue careers in the male-dominated automotive industry.

In the years leading up to her tragic accident, Jessi was determined to break the land speed record set by her idol, Kitty O’Neill.

On August 27, 2019, she attempted to achieve this goal using the jet-powered North American Eagle supersonic speed Challenger on a dry lake bed in the Alvord Desert, Oregon.

Jessi successfully broke the record at an astonishing speed of 522.

783 miles per hour, but shortly after, disaster struck.

According to the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, the crash was caused by a mechanical failure in the front wheel assembly, likely due to hitting an object during her high-speed run.

The investigation concluded that Jessi died from blunt force trauma to the head, just before her vehicle was engulfed in flames.

The news of Jessi Combs’ death sent shockwaves through the automotive community.

Friends, colleagues, and fans mourned her loss, celebrating her accomplishments and the impact she had on the industry.

Many tributes poured in, highlighting her tenacity, skill, and dedication to inspiring others.

Adam Savage, a former co-host on “MythBusters,” praised her as a brilliant builder and communicator who encouraged others through her example.

In 2020, Jessi was posthumously recognized by Guinness World Records as the fastest woman on Earth, a bittersweet honor that highlighted her achievements while also underscoring the tragedy of her passing.

Jessi Combs’ legacy continues through the Jessi Combs Foundation, which aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in the automotive field.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the obstacles she overcame and the records she shattered in pursuit of her dreams.

In October 2022, HBO Max released a documentary titled “The Fastest Woman on Earth,” chronicling Jessi’s life and career.

The film showcases her remarkable journey, her passion for speed, and her relentless pursuit of excellence.

Jessi Combs was more than just a racer; she was a trailblazer who defied gender stereotypes and inspired countless individuals to chase their dreams.

Her tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-speed racing, but her spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of those she inspired.

As we remember Jessi, we celebrate her achievements and the mark she left on the automotive world, proving that passion and determination can break barriers and create lasting change.