Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident

Ken Block has died after a snowmobile accident in Wasatch County, Utah. He was 55 years old.

A statement was initially released by Block’s Hoonigan Industries that confirmed the devastating news.

“It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” said Hoonigan on Instagram.

“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”

Block began his rallying career in 2005, but it was his incredible Gymkhana YouTube videos that would really propel him to sideways stardom. Racking up hundreds of millions of views with increasingly bonkers cars, courses and stunts, the Gymkhana videos will have helped inspire a generation of petrolheads.

Block was also a co-founder of the brand DC Shoes and ‘Head Hoonigan in Charge’ at his company Hoonigan Industries and the Hoonigan Racing Division. He had competed in rallycross, WRC, classic rallying, the X Games and many more motorsport disciplines.

A statement from Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said: “On January 2 2023 at approximately 2:00pm, the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area.

“Search and Rescue, along with law enforcement from Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the US Forest Service responded.

“The driver, Kenneth Block, 55-year-old male out of Park City, Utah, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended, landing on top of him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.”

Block’s friend and fellow drift merchant Vaughn Gittin Jr said: “I will forever cherish the almost 20 years of friendship and fun all over the world we shared enjoying our passions. I will forever be grateful for the constant inspiration, opportunities and advice that you offered. Thank you for what you brought to the world that created so many smiles and inspired masses all while being a bad ass Dad. Love and respect to the entire Block family.”

Tanner Foust also paid tribute to Block and said: “What an incredible person to learn from, battle with and to admire over the last two decades. Ken’s influence on the automotive world cannot be quantified. In addition to pioneering a roadmap for the rest of us to follow in the marketing of motorsport— Ken Block was, above all else, a devoted family man.  My heart and prayers go out to Lucy and the kids.”

Alex Renton, Executive Producer of Top Gear said: “Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry. When he released Gymkhana 1 in 2008 he had the entire Top Gear office wide eyed in amazement. We had the pleasure to work with Ken on several occasions over the years and his contributions were always so memorable and exciting for our audience. We were honoured to have had the chance to work with him and learn from him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues right now.”