Motorsports legend Ken Block, 55, died Monday following a snowmobile accident.
In a Facebook post, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office noted that Block was driving a snowmobile up a steep slope when the vehicle flipped and landed on him.
Block had been riding with a group of snowmobilers but was separated from the group when the accident occurred, according to the sheriff’s department per the Washington Journal.
A post by the sheriff’s department read: “We are saddened to hear of the loss of Kenneth, and our hearts are with his family and friends so deeply affected.”
The entrepreneurial Block had co-founded Hoonigan and DC Shoes before making his mark in motorsports. He eventually became a top World Rally, RallyCross, and Rally America competitor, according to ESPN.
Block also created a YouTube channel (Gymkhana) featuring his driving skills. The popularity of the videos became a lucrative income stream.
Hoonigan posted a tribute to Block on Instagram: “It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed,”
Steve Arpin, a teammate of Block in the Nitro RallyCross series, told ESPN: “Ken was a legend in his ability to take a vision and make it a reality. He created an industry.”
Arpin added: “But if you were lucky enough to know him, that’s where the best parts of Ken surfaced. He treated his friends like gold and would create opportunities for whoever wanted to put in the work. He was everything this world needs more of, and just happened to do a lot of really cool stuff on the side.”
Racer and stunt driver Travis Pastrana said of Block: “Few people get to the point in their lives where everything comes together, and to have it all taken away like this is devastating.”
The American Rally Association posted the following message on their Facebook page:
They were “gutted to hear the news of the passing of rally icon Ken Block. He was a massive influence on everything he touched, including the global world of rallying. His stewardship within the ARA these past few years was invaluable, and he will be forever missed.”
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