Pro rally driver Ken Block, who later became an internet sensation with his daring stunts behind the wheel, died aged 55 after a snowmobile accident, his team Hoonigan Racing said on Monday.
“It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” Hoonigan said in a statement on Instagram.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
The accident happened in Utah’s Wasatch County, and the sheriff’s office said Block was riding down a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on him.
“He was pronounced dead at the scene due to the injuries sustained in the accident,” he said in a statement.
After beginning his rally career in 2005, Block was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He has competed in the World Rally Championship and has won several rallycross medals at the X Games.
The American also co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series racked up millions of views on YouTube. (Reporting by Rohith Nair)
