Ken Block, driver and YouTube star, dies in a snowmobile accident

(Reuters) – Pro rally driver Ken Block, who later became an Internet sensation thanks to his daring moves behind the wheel, has died at the age of 55 after a snowmobile accident, his Hoonigan Racing team said.

“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 on Instagram.

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

The accident occurred in Wasatch County, Utah, and the 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.

Additional reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Edited by Peter Rutherford

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