Motorsport Icon Ken Block Has Died

Ken Block, arguably one of the biggest motorsports stars of the modern era, has died. The American professional rally racer, renowned also for his online stunt-driving exploits under his ‘Hoonigan’ brand and co-founding the DC Shoes brand, was tragically killed in a snowmobile accident on Monday (Jan 2).

Passing at just the age of 55, Block, who was born Kenneth Paul Block in California on 21 Nov 1967, leaves behind his wife, Lucy, with whom he raised three children together – two sons and a daughter. He also leaves behind a racing legacy that will likely stand unmatched for eons. 

"It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today," read a statement released by his Hoonigan brand via their official Instagram page. They also added that "Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and a husband."

Block’s death was also confirmed by the Wasatch County Sheriff's department via a statement published on Facebook. The statement detailed that Block was riding his snowmobile on a steep slope before it "upended, landing on top of him." Block was out riding with a group, but was alone when his incident occurred. Said county’s sheriff also confirmed that Block was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly after finding success through his DC Shoes brand, Block rose to fame through motorsports when he entered the foray of professional rally racing and saw moderate success. He then developed his famed ‘Hoonigan’ brand, from which his famed ‘Gymkhana’ video series stemmed from, birthing some of the wildest race and stunt car builds ever documented.

The latest effort saw Block tying up with leading German marque Audi and transition to electric power through a specially-built Audi S1 racer dubbed the ‘Hoonitron’.

As Block’s family and the global motorsports fraternity mourns his passing, it’s almost certain that all his legendary stunt-driving exploits will live on eternally. All of Block’s past Gymkhana videos are still present on YouTube, each having garnered millions of views thus far.