Ken Block: Rally driver and YouTube star dies in snowboat accident | crowd

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Professional rally driver Ken Block, who later became an Internet sensation with his daring moves behind the wheel, has died at the age of 55 after a snowmobile accident, according to Hoonigan Racing.

“It is with our deepest regret that we can confirm the death of Ken Block in a snowmobile accident today,” Hoonigan said in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday.

“Ken was a visionary, pioneer and icon. Most importantly, a father and husband. We will miss him incredibly.”

The accident occurred in Wasatch County, Utah. The local sheriff’s office said Block was riding down a steep slope when his snowmobile flipped and fell on top of him.

“He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident from injuries sustained in the accident,” they said in a statement, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident occurred.

Having started his rally career in 2005, Block was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He competed in the World Rally Championship and won several rally medals at the X Games.

The American also co-founded the sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series has garnered millions of views on YouTube.

In 2016 he appeared in an episode of the BBC’s rebooted Top Gear, driving around London with actor and host Matt LeBlanc. This appearance ended in controversy when it was revealed that Block and LeBlanc performed donuts, wheel pins and burnouts, leaving black tire stripes up and down Whitehall near memorials including the Cenotaph.

The BBC later apologized and footage containing the memorial was not broadcast.

Reuters contributed to this report

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