Professional racer Jessi Combs was killed in what her partner calls a “horrific accident” on August 27th. She was 36-years-old.
Jessi was the co-host of Spike’s “Xtreme 4×4”.
She also appeared in Overhaulin’ , Mythbusters and , The List: 1001 Car Things To Do Before You Die .
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Before her untimely death, she was at the center of another tragedy in 2007.
Jessi was involved in an unexplained accident in 2007 when caught in a piece of machinery that “folded her in two,” fracturing her spine.
That incident should have left Jessi in a wheelchair.
However, she made a full recovery and went on to continue her career in television, racing, metal fabricating, building, and industrial artistry.
Jessi had been working on opening own metal fab shop.
According to her website , she dreamed of opening “A place where bad ass hot rods, motorcycles, custom trucks, race vehicles, and anything metal will originate with a feminine touch.”
She wanted to create a space for women in her chosen fields.
She continued, saying it would be a place “where chicks can finally have a place to get dirty, be creative, use their skills, explore talents, go fast, and have fun in a comfortable working environment.”
This was a cause she was always passionate about.
Jessi had partnered with Lincoln Electric in order to create a line of welding gear built for women, as she had noticed there was a lack of gear that fit her body.
Jessi described this as her mission.
On her website, she claimed it was her mission “to express to others what woman are capable of in the shop. “
On August 27th, Jessi was attempting to break her own land speed record when she was killed, her partner confirms.
Terry Madden shared the tragic news in an Instagram tribute to Jessi.
“So I don’t know how to say any of this but it all needs said. 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,” he wrote.
“She was the most amazing spirit that I have ever or will ever know,” he went on.
“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!!”
“I’m not ok, but she is right here keeping my going-I made her a promise that if this didn’t go well that I would make sure and do good with it, please help me with that.”
“I need everyone of her true friends to do what she would want “take a deep breath, relax” and do good things with this. Please donate to nothing, I know there will be people try, we are finishing the documentary as she wished and the world will know the truth and her foundation will use those funds to do amazing things in this world and make her legacy live on properly.”
He confirmed that a proper foundation will be set up for Jessie in the coming days for friends and family to make donations.
“Love you all and thank you all for being such amazing friends to her, she dedicated her life to helping support others dreams and I promise I will continue that,” he finished.
Adam Savage of ‘Mythbusters’ fame has tweeted his condolences.
He continued on in a second tweet to add, “My heart goes out to her family.”
Kari Byron, who Jessi had been filling in for on the show, also responded to the news.
The official MythBusters Facebook page shared their condolences.
She’ll be greatly missed by many.
