Ken Block, an American rally driver turned YouTube star, died Monday afternoon in a snowmobile accident in Mill Hollow, Utah. He was 55 years old.
Block “was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile overturned and landed on top of him,” the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement shared on Facebook.
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Block “was traveling with a group but was alone when the incident occurred,” the sheriff’s office said.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hoonigan Industries, the printing and automotive apparel company owned by Block, confirmed his death on Instagram.
“It is with our deepest regret that we confirm that Ken Block died today in a snowmobile accident,” the company said. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And above all, a father and a husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
Block’s competitive rallying career began in 2005. He gained worldwide fame through his Gymkhana series on YouTube. Videos on his Hoonigan channel have garnered over 1 billion views and 5 million subscribers.
The American Rally Association paid tribute to Block worldwide, calling him “a tremendous influence on everything he touched, including the world of global rallying.”
Former Formula 1 champion Jenson Button as described as “a true visionary with his unique style and infectious smile”.
