‘Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon’
Pro rally driver and former Top Gear star Ken Block has died aged 55 following a snowmobile accident, his team has announced.
In a post on its website, Hoonigan Racing wrote: “It’s with our deepest regrets that we confirm that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today.”
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The post went on to say: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
The accident occurred 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.
Block was riding in a group, but was alone when the accident occurred, the sheriff’s office said.
“He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident,” the statement added.
The rally star shared pictures of the snow-covered landscape surrounding his ranch on Instagram early Monday morning, writing: “It’s been dumping snow in Park City, Utah this week with more forecasted for the weekend, and we wouldn’t be able to make it out to the ranch without the @SkiDoo sleds and @KubotaUSA machinery to clear the way! Can’t wait to see how much more powder stacks up over the next few days!”
Another recent post shows several snowmobiles blanketed in snow with the caption: ‘This is how some mornings at my ranch in Utah look this time of year – freshly coated with snow!’
Block was arguably most famous for his Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses, racking up millions of view of YouTube. He also appeared on two episodes of Top Gear in 2016.
Block began his rallying career in 2005 and 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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The American also co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes.
Block’s last YouTube video posted two weeks ago was a behind the scenes look at 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.”
Block’s death comes after actor Jeremy Renner was left in a critical but stable condition following a snowmobile accident at his Nevada home over the weekend.
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