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Jessi Combs' Fatal Crash In Oregon Desert Caused By Mechanical Failure

<p>Jessi Combs was attempting to break her own land speed record when she died in a fatal crash in Oregon's Alvord desert August 27, 2019.</p>

Photo courtesy of WARN Industries

Jessi Combs was attempting to break her own land speed record when she died in a fatal crash in Oregon's Alvord desert August 27, 2019.

The Harney County Sheriff’s Office announced the crash that killed the racer and television personality Jessi Combs back in August was caused by a mechanical failure.  

The fatal crash in Southeastern Oregon’s Alvord Desert was caused by a front-wheel mechanical failure most likely after Combs’ vehicle hit an object, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.  

Combs was attempting to break the women’s land speed record by using a jet-powered car. The car reached approximately 550 miles per hour at the time of the crash, authorities said.  

An investigation of the crash revealed blunt force trauma was the cause of Combs’ death. She was 39 years old.

Copyright 2019 Oregon Public Broadcasting

Meerah Powell