CNN
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Ken Block, professional rally driver and YouTube star, died Monday in a snowmobile accident, his Hoonigan Racing team announced. He was 55 years old.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And above all, a father and a husband,” Hoonigan Racing said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed. Please respect the privacy of the family at this time as they grieve.
The accident happened at 2 p.m. while Block was driving a snowmobile down a steep hill in Wasatch County, Utah, according to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office.
The snowmobile rolled over and landed on top of the block, the sheriff’s office said, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
“Mr. Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred,” a statement from the sheriff’s office said.
“The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death. We are saddened to learn of Kenneth’s loss and our hearts are with his deeply touched family and friends.
“We thank all of our first responders for their continued service.”
Before embarking on his career as a rally driver, Block co-founded the sportswear company DC Shoes in 1994, which has become one of the most recognizable skateboarding apparel brands in the world.
He started rallying in 2005 and two years later made his debut on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit in Mexico. He took part in 25 WRC events and won five X Games medals in RallyCross between 2006 and 2015.
“Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of a true icon of our sport,” said Belgian rally driver Thierry Neuville. “An avid runner and true trailblazer who inspired so many of us. Rest in peace friend. All my sympathies go out to family and friends.”
Block also rose to fame for the YouTube series Gymkhana in which he performed stunts and driving drifts at different locations in the United States and around the world. The videos have proven to be hugely popular and have garnered hundreds of millions of views.
“Shocked by the passing of Ken Block. Such talent who has done so much for our sport,” said former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button. wrote on Twitter.
“He was a true visionary with his own unique style and infectious smile. Our sport has lost one of the best today but above all a great man.”
Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children.
