ALVORD DESERT, OR. (THECOUNT) — Race car driver, Jessi Combs, was killed while attempting to beat her own land speed record, the 52,000 horsepower jet-powered car.
The driver, fabricator, and television personality, was involved in a fal crash in the Alvord Desert in Oregon Tuesday, say local news reports.
Combs, 36, held the title of “fastest woman on four wheels” after breaking 398 MPH in that same North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger in 2013.
Combs was attempting to beat her previous record, and had attempted it as recently as last year, when she managed a 483.227 MPH shakedown run before mechanical problems ended the attempt, as noted on the team’s bio page for Jessi.
Just a few days ago, Combs tweeted a picture of her and the jet car as they prepared for this most recent speed record attempt:
Comb’s death was confirmed this morning on Instagram by Terry Madden, a member of Combs’ team:
Combs was a lot more than a very, very fast person; she was a skilled builder and fabricator, representing the American Welding Society, and even designing a line of women’s welding gear, reports Jalopnik.
DEVELOPING::
Geo quick facts: The Alvord Desert is described as a gorgeous, dark and silent place. It’s a wonderful and amazing place. Silent, calm, dark as anywhere at night. Star gazing is awesome.
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