Pro rally driver Ken Block, who later became an internet sensation with his daring stunts behind the wheel, died after a snowmobile accident, his team Hoonigan Racing said on Monday.
“It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” Hoonigan said in a statement on Instagram.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
He was 55-years-old.
The accident happened in Utah’s Wasatch County and the Sheriff’s Office said that Block was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him.
“He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident,” they said in a statement, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident occurred.
Having begun his rallying career in 2005, Block was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He competed in the World Rally Championship and won several rallycross medals at the X Games.
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He also appeared on two episodes of Top Gear in 2016.
The American co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series racked up millions of views on YouTube.
His last YouTube video posted two weeks ago explored behind the scenes of the 2022 American Rally Association season and was titled “Go fast risk every thang”.
The video description explained the title: “This is the mantra that we often have to use when racing rally. Sometimes it leads to champagne ceremonies, sometimes to crashed cars.”
In recent posts on Instagram, he shared photos of snowmobiles blanketed in snow.
Block said in the caption: “This is how some mornings at my ranch in Utah look this time of year – freshly coated with snow!”
