Pro rally driving champion Ken Block, 55, is killed in snowmobile accident – just a week after using his powerful new machine and admitting there’s ‘a lot of learning on this new sled’
Rally car driving champion and action sports star Ken Block has died at the age of 55 in a snowmobile accident in Utah.
Block was traveling up a steep slope at around 2pm on Monday when the snowmobile he was riding overturned and landed on top of him, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office stated.
Block was riding with a group but alone at the time of the incident. He was pronounced dead at the scene following the injuries he sustained in the accident.
Last week, Block had been performing stunts in Idaho on a new and more powerful snowmobile. He even admitted how its power had taken him by surprise.
‘It was my first day on my new ‘23 Ski-Doo Summit X Turbo, and this thing rips! Lots of power up at high elevations, and wheelies all day! Epic early season powder, and an amazing first day. Wheelies, deep pow turns, and a lot of learning on this new sled – good times!
According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Block was riding a snowmobile at around 2 PM on a steep slope when the vehicle suddenly upended and landed on top of him.
Officials say he was pronounced dead on scene due to injuries he suffered during the accident.
Ken Block, rally car driving champion, action sports star, and DC Shoes co-founder is dead at the age of 55 following a snowmobile accident in Utah, TMZ Sports has learned.
Details surrounding the accident are not yet clear. Block’s team, Hoonigan, released a statement on the tragedy … saying, “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”
“He will be incredibly missed.”
Block was in Utah snowmobiling … and posted pictures on Instagram earlier Monday morning.
Of course, Ken was one of the most famous Rally car drivers in the world … where he competed since the mid-2000s, finishing on the podium dozens of times.
But, Block didn’t just drive rally cars … he also competed in motocross and skateboarding, amongst other action sports. He was also a competitive snowboarder.
Over the years, Block became a big star on social media, amassing millions of followers and subscribers online.
Ken also left his mark in the skating fashion world. Block, along with business partner Damon Way, founded the brand DC Shoes in 1994.