‘Mythbusters’ star Jessi Combs’ ‘lived fiercely’ and died doing what she loved, the cause of death, confirmed

It has been five years since the tragic accident that claimed the life of Jessi Combs, a renowned professional racer and television personality. Her untimely death on August 27, 2019, during an attempt to break a land speed record in Oregon’s Alvord Desert, was determined to be caused by a mechanical failure that led to a catastrophic crash while she was driving at nearly 550 miles per hour.

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office released a report detailing the investigation into Combs’ accident. The findings indicated that her vehicle’s front wheel likely struck an object on the desert surface, resulting in a failure of the wheel assembly. The report noted that blunt force trauma to the head occurred before the vehicle was engulfed in flames, ultimately leading to her death.

Known as “the fastest woman on four wheels,” Combs previously set a land speed record of 398 mph in the same vehicle, the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger, in 2013. Following her death, her family released a statement celebrating her legacy, describing her as someone who “lived fearlessly” and served as a role model for women and girls everywhere.

Combs’ partner, Terry Madden, was the first to arrive at the scene of the crash. In a touching Instagram post, he reflected on their relationship, stating that they had “done everything humanly possible to save her” and called her his “unicorn.”

Her contributions to television included co-hosting the Spike TV series XTreme 4×4 for five years and stepping in for Kari Byron on Mythbusters during Byron’s maternity leave. Fellow cast members from Mythbusters paid tribute to her, with Adam Savage honoring her as a “brilliant & top-notch builder, engineer, driver, fabricator, and science communicator.”

In September 2019, the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles held a special exhibit titled “Jessi Combs: Life at Full Speed,” which celebrated her life and achievements. The exhibit, curated with the help of her family and friends, highlighted her diverse career in the automotive industry. Proceeds from the exhibit went to The Jessi Combs Foundation, created to inspire and empower future generations of female trailblazers. Madden emphasized that the foundation aims to motivate young women, helping them find their inner confidence and pursue their dreams.

Rather than a traditional funeral, Combs’ family chose to celebrate her life, focusing on her tenacious spirit and the countless lives she influenced through her passion and determination. Jessi Combs’ memory continues to inspire many as a testament to her commitment to pushing boundaries in both her personal and professional life.