Zef Eisenberg named as driver killed during British land speed record attempt

A driver who died during a British land speed record attempt has been named as millionaire fitness firm founder and TV presenter Zef Eisenberg.

Mr Eisenberg's family confirmed to the BBC that he had died during the attempt at Elvington Airfield in York on Thursday afternoon.

A full investigation is to take place into the circumstances of the incident, police have said.

The 47-year-old had previously been involved in a "near-death" 230mph crash at the same airfield in 2016, prompting concerns he would never walk again.

Prior to that crash, in which he suffered 11 broken bones including his pelvis, Mr Eisenberg had set other speed records at the airfield.

He returned to racing in 2017, and went on to set the record for the "flying mile" at Pendine Sands in Wales two years later, overtaking actor Idris Elba's 2015 effort.

In addition to his record-breaking efforts, Mr Eisenberg had also previously presented an ITV4 series called Speed Freaks and appeared on other shows including The Bike Show.

Elvington Airfield was also the scene of a crash involving former Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond in 2006.

The 50-year-old was left in a coma for two weeks and with brain injuries after crashing a jet-powered car.

The privately-owned venue, which is an active airfield, is also a facility for driving, driver training, filming and other testing purposes for professional organisations.

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