US rally driver Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident at the age of 55. TMZ reports, citing the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office. According to this, Block was driving a snowmobile on a steep slope around 2 p.m. when the vehicle suddenly overturned and landed on him. He was pronounced dead at the scene due to the injuries he sustained in the accident.
“Mr. Block was with a group but was alone when the accident happened,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “We are saddened by the loss of Kenneth and our hearts go out to his family and friends who are deeply saddened.” The exact circumstances of the accident are not yet known.
Block’s Hoonigan Racing Division team said goodbye to their colleague in a statement about the tragedy: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And, most importantly, a father and husband,” it said. “He will be missed beyond belief.”
On Monday morning he had posted photos of snowmobiling in Utah on Instagram in his story. Three days ago he shared a video of his sled and a snow plow.
Ken Block was one of the most famous rally drivers in the world. In his debut season at Rally America he was named “Rookie of the Year” and in 2013 he finished seventh in the World Rally Championship in Mexico. The all-rounder also tried his hand at motocross, skateboarding and various winter sports. Some of the “Gymkhana” YouTube videos of his drifts reached well over 100 million clicks, and he was considered a legend in the scene. More than 7.7 million people followed him on Instagram alone.
But the 55-year-old was also a successful entrepreneur. He founded “DC Shoes” in 1994 together with his business partner Damon Way and established the brand as a streetwear and skater label. In 2004, “Quiksilver” took over the brand.
Ken leaves behind his wife Lucy and 3 children. Block’s 16-year-old daughter Lia is also a driver. On Monday morning he had teased a YouTube video with her.
