Professional rally driver and DC Shoes founder Ken Block was killed in a snowmobile accident near his home in Utah on January 2. He was 55 years old at the time of his death.
Reports stated the accident took place in Utah’s Wasatch County. According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Block was riding on a steep slope at 2 p.m. when his snowmobile suddenly turned upside down and landed on top of him.
He sustained injuries from the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. He had been riding with a group but was alone when the accident happened.
The causes of the accident that led to Block’s death are currently unclear. However, the sheriff’s office posted a message on social media stating that the State Medical Examiner’s Office is currently investigating the official cause of his death.
Those left to mourn Block include his wife, Lucy, and their three children. One of the children is his 16-year-old daughter Lia, who is also a driver.
Tribute to Block
According to the reports from TMZ, before the accident, Block had uploaded several images of snow piling up at his ranch in Park City, Utah, and photos of himself taking a snowmobile. Anthony Blair from The Sun also mentioned that Block talked about how he was getting old.
“I’m getting old – handling the fear is getting more and more difficult,” Block said.
Several prominent figures in the motorsport world have addressed their tribute following Block’s death. Hoonigan Industries said Block was a visionary and an icon. His team, Hooligan Racing Division, also expressed their words of support.
“It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” the team said in an announcement. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
The American Rally Association posted a message on Facebook saying Brock was a massive influence in the global world of rally racing. Nascar Xfinity Series driver Ryan Vargas said Block helped him shape his personality and interest in cars.
Additionally, several of Block’s fellow racers have expressed their condolences and how he played a major role in the rally racing world. Jensen Button, former British Formula One World Champion, said Block was a talent who had contributed significantly to the world of rally racing.
“Our sport lost one of the best today, but more importantly a great man,” Button said in his post on Instagram.
Former British rally driver Malcolm Wilson also said that Block helped introduce rally racing to a global audience through his social media videos.
Block’s career
Block started his rallying career in 2005 and was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He is best known for his stunt driving videos and has a YouTube channel with more than 1.92 million subscribers.
Block is also better known for producing the Gymkhana video series, where he showcased his driving abilities on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. His Gymkhana videos have gathered more than 50 million views. He had a cameo appearance on the BBC’s Top Gear.
Before his death, he had won many rallycross medals at the X Games and participated in the World Rally Championship.
Block has always had a penchant for action sports. Aside from rally racing, he also liked motocross, skateboarding and snowboarding, having participated in several competitions.
He also had a presence in the fashion world, having co-founded the sportswear company DC Shoes in 1994 and co-owned Hoonigan, an apparel brand for auto enthusiasts.