Ken Block of the USA during the World RX of Portugal 2017, at the Montalegre International Circuit in Portugal on April 22, 2017.
Paul Oliveira DPI Nurphoto Getty Images
Pro rally driver Ken Block, who later became an internet sensation with his daring stunts behind the wheel, has died at age 55 after a snowmobile accident, his Hoonigan Racing team said Monday.
“It is with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block was killed 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 a husband. He will be missed.
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 dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the accident,” he said in a statement, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident occurred.
After starting his rally 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.
The American also founded the sports company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series has garnered millions of views on YouTube.