Professional rally driver Ken Block has passed away following a snowmobile accident.
Hoonigan’s Instagram account confirmed its founder’s passing on Monday. A well-known figure in the car enthusiast community, especially for the Gymkhana chain, Block passed away at the age of 55.
“It is with our deepest regret that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” the statement said. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and a husband. He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.”
Update 1/2/2023: The Wasatch County, Utah Sheriff’s Office published more information about the incident on their Facebook page:
“On January 2, 2023 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area. The driver, Kenneth Block, 55-year-old male out of Park City Utah, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended, landing on top of him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.”
The Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the US Forest Service responded to the 911 call. Although he was snowmobiling with a group, the statement said Block was riding alone when the accident happened. The Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office is still working to determine an official cause of death.
Block was working with Audi on the upcoming Gymkhana project, while outside the automotive sector he participated in various winter sports. He is survived by his wife and three children.
This is a developing story, and we will post more relevant information as it becomes available. The TfL team extends its deepest sympathies to Block’s family on hearing the sad news.
