Ken Block, a professional rally driver and YouTube star, died Monday in a snowmobile accident in Utah, authorities said.
He was 55 years old.
Block was riding a snowmobile up a steep incline in the Mill Hollow area of Wasatch County Monday afternoon when “the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him,” the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said.
Block was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was traveling with a group, but the sheriff’s office said Block was alone when the accident happened.
“We are saddened to learn of the loss of Kenneth and our hearts go out to his deeply affected family and friends,” he said.
He leaves behind his wife, Lucy, and three children.
Early Monday, Block posted photos to his Instagram stories of himself driving through a heavy snowfall.
Block’s team, the Hoonigan Racing Division, confirmed his death on social media.
“Ken was a visionary, a trailblazer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be greatly missed,” the statement read.
Last week, Block posted Christmas greetings for his 7.9 million instagram followers and shared photos of his family’s vacation at Baldface Lodge in Canada.
He began his professional rally racing career in 2005 and was named Rookie of the Year that season in the Rally America Championship, according to a Biography on your racing team’s website. Block also competed in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and won multiple X Games medals.
In addition to his sporting achievements, he was a YouTube sensation Famous for Gymkhana videos in which he performed stunts behind the wheel. His YouTube channel has nearly 2 million subscribers.
The great success of viral videos led to the Amazon Prime Series 2018 “The Gymkhana Files”, which followed Block and the Hoonigan Racing Division in their process of creating videos and racing.
Block was also one of the co-founders of the sportswear company DC Shoes.
The X Games paid tribute to Block on Monday, writing: “One of the most important figures in the sport of the past four decades, Ken influenced a generation. His creativity, innovation and business savvy have literally changed the way people view action sports.”
“More importantly, Ken was a loyal father, husband, and friend. Our thoughts are with all those who knew him. He will be missed, but his extensive legacy lives on,” the statement read.
The FIA World Rallycross Championship He said Block’s passing “leaves a huge void in our sport.”
“But his legacy as a visionary and inspiration to millions around the world will live on for a long time,” the tribute read.
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