Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to his “dear friend” Ken Block after the famous rally driver died in a snowmobile accident on Monday.
Block, 55, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope in Utah at 2pm when his vehicle “upended, landing on top of him,” Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said.
The professional rally driver was riding with a group on the slopes but he was alone at the time of the incident. Officials said he suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton, a keen skier and snowboarder, spent time on the slopes with Block in the past and wrote of the “amazing person” Block was.
In a tribute on his Instagram, followed by a photo of the pair on the slopes, Hamilton said: “I’ve been mostly off social media to focus on my health and well being. Today I received news of the loss of a dear friend. I am devastated to hear of Ken Block’s passing.
“He was such an amazing person, always lived life to the fullest. I remember our first time working together and how positive he was. So much talent behind the wheel. Years ago we had an amazing time heli skiing and snowboarding in Canada.
“We held so much respect for one another. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go to his beautiful family. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Ken.”
Block, one of the most famous rally car drivers in the world, competed in skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross competitions during his storied career.
He is best known for his stirring Gymkhana stunt driving videos, eventually earning him a cameo on BBC’s Top Gear. He co-founded DC Shoes brand and co-owned Hoonigan, a famous apparel brand for auto enthusiasts.
Block has more than 1.92 million subscribers on his YouTube channel where he regularly posted Gymkhana videos, which garnered more than 50 million views.
He was also regularly competing at ESPN’s X Games in their rally racing editions.
Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children, including 16-year-old Lia, who is also a driver.
