According to his company Hoonigan Racing, professional rally driver Ken Block passed away on Monday after being involved in a snowmobile accident. Later, Block became popular online for his reckless driving escapades. He was 55.
“It is with the utmost regret that we can report that Ken Block lost away in a snowmobile accident today,” reads a statement from Hoonigan on Instagram.
“Ken was a visionary, an idol, and a trailblazer. And also, a husband and father. His absence will be felt deeply.”
The mishap happened in Wasatch County, Utah. According to the Sheriff’s Office, which was cited by Reuters, Block was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile overturned and fell on top of him. (Also read: This Couple, Hrithik Roshan And Saba Azad Welcome The New Year With Flying Lanterns)
Despite traveling in a group, the 55-year-old was by himself when the tragedy occurred. He was confirmed as having passed away at the spot.
They added that he was riding alone but, in a group, when the accident happened, they also said that “he was pronounced deceased at the spot from injuries incurred in the accident.” He left behind his wife Lucy and three kids.
Block spent the most of his time participating in various winter sports, such as operating UTVs, snowmobiling, and snowboarding, while not on the road driving electrical stunt cars from Audi or racing cars from Porsche.
The rally driver and co-founder of DC Shoes quickly became famous in the rallying world. He created the Hoonigan brand and the popular Gymkhana video series. (Also read: Akhbar Birbal Short: Everyone Thinks The Same Way)
Block started his rallying career in 2005 and won the Rally America Championship’s Rookie of the Year award. He took part in the World Rally Championship and won numerous rallycross medals at the X Games.
Fans witnessed him driving on hazardous tracks and obstacle courses in the American Gymkhana video series. The series earned millions of views on YouTube.
