Rally driver and YouTube sensation Ken Block has died following a snowmobile accident on Monday (January 2).
Respected for his behavior behind the wheel, which also led to a short time in the World Rally Championship driving a Ford Fiesta, as well as in the World Rallycross Championship behind the wheel of Focus, the Hoonigan founder immediately became an icon from the appearance of the Gymkhana clip in 2008.
Cause of death
In a statement on their Facebook page, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office in the state of Utah said:
“On January 2, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area.
Also read: Ken Block burns a lot of rubber in Carnival City
“Search and Rescue, along with law enforcement from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the US Forest Service responded.
“The driver, Kenneth Block, a 55-year-old man out of Park City, Utah, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile went up, landing on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the accident.
“Mr. Block was riding in a group but was the only one at the time of the accident. The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
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The Hoonigan Block brand has also released a statement on his death on Instagram, describing him as a “pioneer, visionary, icon and most importantly, father and husband”.
The success of Gymkhana’s antics and popularity led to some of the most famous high-profile media appearances in the Top Gear in 2009, accompanied by star presenter James May’s purpose-built layout at Inyokern California Airport is used.
Tributes continue to pour in for Block, who is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children.
A statement from the Block family is likely to be released at some stage with funeral details also expected.
Additional info from motor1.com.