A snowmobile accident claimed the life of Ken Block, a motorsports star who produced the popular Gymkhana YouTube video series. He was 55 years old.
Following rumors, Block’s clothing brand Hoonigan Industries posted a statement on Instagram confirming the news: “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. Last but not least are a father and a husband. He will be sadly missed.
Block died when he was in Utah. According to the local Sheriff’s office, He was on a snowmobile in Wasatch County when it crashed and fell on top of him while climbing a steep slope. As soon as he was declared dead from his injuries at the scene, he shared the news on Facebook.
Block, born in the United States in 1967, made a name for himself in motorsport in 2005, when he started his rallying career with the Vermont SportsCar team and won Rookie of the Year.
Over the years, he continued to win several rallycross medals at the X Games. He rose to international prominence thanks to the Gymkhana YouTube series, which attracted millions of spectators while Block pulled off risky racing stunts.
The Gymkhana Files, an eight-part Amazon Prime Video series inspired by the series, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and characters in creating one of the most successful viral campaigns in history. Along with appearing against Idris Elba in the short-lived Elba vs. Block competition format on streamer Quibi, Block also made appearances on the BBC’s Top Gear and in EA racing games.
In addition, he founded Hoonigan Industries and the DC shoe line of skateboarding apparel.
World champion Jenson Button described him as “a talent that did so much,” while the FIA World Rallycross Championship said his loss “leaves a significant hole in our sport.” His “legacy in motorsport” will “live on forever,” Moto GP applauded.
Block’s three children and wife, Lucy, survive him.
