Ken Block’s accident snow wheel photo went viral on the internet.
Ken Block, a professional rally driver who later rose to fame online for his risky on-track antics, passed away at the age of 55 following a snowmobile accident, according to his team Hoonigan Racing.
Hoonigan posted a statement on Instagram on Monday that read, “It’s with our deepest regrets that we report that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a pioneer, an icon, and a visionary. And last but not least, a husband and father. Extremely, he will be missed.”
The incident took place in Wasatch County in Utah. Block was traveling on a steep slope when the snowmobile overturned and fell on top of him, according to the local sheriff’s office.
They added that he rode alone in a group when the accident happened. He was pronounced dead at the spot from injuries incurred in the accident.
In the meantime, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), expressed his sadness at Ken Block’s loss. A great gentleman in our sport and an inspiration to all of us.
LeBlanc posted a picture of the two of them together and captioned it, “So devastated by the loss of Ken Block. A friend and real talent who was lost way too soon. My friend, everyone who had the privilege of knowing you will miss you. My sympathies go out to your family.”
Along with the official Top Gear Twitter page, which referred to Block as an all-around hero, the former Top Gear presenter James May was also among those paying respect. May tweeted, “RIP Ken Block, with an appreciation for some hilarious days out.”
RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out. Here’s the airfield drifting piece from years back.
— James May (@MrJamesMay) January 3, 2023
Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident. The professional rally driver, Gymkhana star and all-round hero has passed away
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) January 3, 2023
In the meantime, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), expressed his sadness at Ken Block’s loss. “A great gentleman in our sport and an inspiration to all of us.”
Block started his rallying career in 2005 and won the Rally America Championship’s Rookie of the Year award.
He participated in the World Rally Championship and took home multiple medals for rallycross at the X Games.
The American created the Gymkhana film series, in which he drove over difficult roads, obstacle courses, and the athletic apparel firm DC Shoes. On YouTube, the series received millions of views.
He made an episode of the BBC’s newly revived Top Gear in 2016, traveling about London with host and actor Matt LeBlanc.
When it was reported that Block and LeBlanc had performed burnouts, wheelspins, and doughnuts while driving along Whitehall near monuments like the Cenotaph, the debate surrounding their presence came to a head.
Later, the BBC apologized, and the Cenotaph film was never shown.
