Rally driver Ken Block has sadly died at the age of 55 in a snowmobile accident, with tributes pouring in from across the sporting world for the "pioneer" racer.
The American star was known for his daring stunts behind the wheel, having competed in the World Rally Championship and been named Rally America Rookie of the Year back in 2005. Ken appeared in an episode of BBC's Top Gear in 2016 in which he drove around London with host Matt LeBlanc, and was also famous for the incredible stunts posted on his YouTube channel.
The star tragically posted a series of photos on Instagram just hours before his death of snowmobiles lined up in the winter landscape at his ranch in Utah as he shared his excitement at heading out into the snow. He had also shared a series of pictures of a Christmas holiday with his wife and three children just days earlier, writing: "Doesn't get much better than this".
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The Sheriff’s Office in Wasatch County in Utah where the accident occurred confirmed that the star was riding on a steep slope near woodland when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him. "He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident," they said in a statement.
Ken's team Hoonigan Racing confirmed the sad news in an Instagram post on Tuesday: "It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed."
Ken finished second overall in Rally America three times – in 2006, 2008 and 2013 – and competed in the World Rally Championship between 2007 and 2018. The star also competed professionally in other action sports including skateboarding, snowboarding and motocross, and was a successful businessman having co-founded the sportswear company DC shoes before shifting his focus to clothing brand Hoonigan Industries.
Formula Drift issued a heartfelt tribute in the wake of his death, saying: "It's hard to imagine an individual who had a greater impact on car culture and more importantly, was always a shining example of how we should treat one another. From fans requesting an autograph, to his tireless mentorship of upcoming athletes, and his stewardship of an industry he loved so much, Ken showed us not only what is possible with a car, but also what is possible as a human being.
"He will be greatly missed, leaving a gaping hole at the centre of the automotive industry that may never be filled. Fortunately, Ken also leaves a magnificent legacy as a supremely skilled driver, entertainer, business mogul, and family man, and we will cherish that legacy forever."
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