Rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block died in a snowmobile accident in the USA on Monday (01/02/2023). The American was 55 years old.
The accident happened in Wasatch County, Utah. According to the local sheriff's office, Block was driving down a steep cliff when the snowmobile flipped over and buried the Californian. Block was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. "Mr. Block was driving with a group, but was traveling alone when the accident occurred. The official cause of death will be determined by the state coroner," it said. Ken Block is survived by his wife Lucy and three children.
"Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And above all, a father and husband. He will be missed immensely," said a statement from his team, Hoonigan Racing. His wife posted a photo on Instagram showing the number 43, Ken Block's favorite racing number.
Ken Block is primarily known for his spectacular drift videos on YouTube. The Gymkhana Videos reached an audience of millions. In 2012, downtown San Francisco was even closed for one of these spectacular stunt clips. As an influencer, Block has worked for car manufacturers such as Subaru, Ford and most recently Audi and Porsche.
Together with Damon Way he founded "DC Shoes" in 1993, which made clothing and accessories for the skateboard, snowboard, BMW and motorcycle sectors - Quiksilver took over the brand in 2004. In addition, the Californian was a sought-after advertising icon for the brands Monster Energy, Toyo Tires and Go-Pro, among others. He has also acted as a consultant for numerous video racing games.
In professional motorsport, Block was runner-up three times in the US Rally Championship - most recently in the 2022 season with a Hyundai i20 WRC - and clinched 16 victories there. Between 2007 and 2018 he competed in a total of 24 races in the World Rally Championship, collecting 18 World Championship points. The best result was a seventh place at Rally Mexico in 2013 in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC.
Ken Block was also very active in the rallycross scene. With support from Ford, the stunt driver competed in the Global Rallycross Championship from 2011 to 2015, which is held in the United States. In 2016 and 2017, the all-round talent then switched to the international FIA World Rallycross Championship with his team, Hoonigan Racing.
