By Anna Patty
American rally driver star Ken Block, a founder of car culture group Hoonigan and skate company DC Shoes, has died in a snowmobile accident in the US at the age of 55.
His death was announced on the social media account of Hoonigans, which is the name of the rally team he founded.
Professional rally driver Ken BlockCredit:Sam VarnHagen
“It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” the Hoonigans post on Instagram said.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.
“He will be incredibly missed.
“Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.”
Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office reported on Facebook that Block died in a snowmobile accident near Woodland, Utah, about 2pm on January 2. It said he had been riding in the Mill Hollow area when his snowmobile upended on a steep slope and landed on top of him and that he was declared dead at the scene.
“Mr Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred. The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Block is survived by his wife Lucy Block, and their daughter Lia Block.
Block’s last post on Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday (AEST) proudly boasted of Lia’s foray into the rally car arena.
The post said: “The 4th and final episode of my 16-year-old daughter Lia buying, tearing down, rebuilding and now driving her ’85 Audi Ur Quattro will be live at 8am PST tomorrow on my YouTube channel. Will her Audi finally do a donut?? Or will it break in the attempt? Tune in to find out!”
Block was well known for his lengthy string of much loved Gymkhana stunt driving videos, which led to him making a cameo on BBC’s Top Gear on his way to becoming a popular member of the motoring community, stuff.co.nz said.
His Gymkhana videos are seen by many to be pioneering, both in a marketing sense and in their ability to make motorsport and the car culture world more accessible to young people.
