2023 is undoubtedly starting on the wrong foot for the friends and families of the rally car driver and star Ken Block who lost his life on Monday following a severe snowmobile crash in Utah. Police confirmed he died due to the injuries sustained from the crash.
Keep reading for more details about the situation.
The superstar who became an internet sensation due to his impressive stunts behind the car wheel passed away on Monday after an accident. His team Hoonigan Racing announced his passing in an official statement on Instagram.
"It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today"
According to official reports from the Sheriff's office, Block was riding on a steep slope in Utah's Wasatch County when the snowmobile tumbled and crashed on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene from the wounds sustained during the accident; while adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the unfortunate incident happened.
The star competed for Hoonigan Racing Division, known as Monster World Rally Team. He also co-founded DC Shoe and participated in other sports action competitions like skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross.
Hoonigan Racing Division had touching words to describe the pro race care driver.
"Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed."
Block recorded 16 wins and 28 trips to the podium in 60 stars throughout his career as he competed in Rally Races in America from 2005-2014.
He was among the few Americans to ever score points in the World Rally Championship.
Just last year September, the racer announced a partnership with Audi to promote the brand's electric cars.
"Audi is the brand that ignited my passion for motorsport. I am extremely excited to start this new chapter. Together, we will develop innovative projects and push the boundaries of electric mobility"
The 55-year-old has built an impressive social media image in the past few years while gaining millions of followers and subscribers across all platforms who enjoyed watching his sensational videos.
Lia, Block's 16-year-old daughter, is also a rally car driver and participated in her first competition at age 11 for the Hoonigan Racing Division. Talk about stepping in her dad's shoes.
Back in 2008, Block posted the first 10 Gymkhana videos on his YouTube account, which featured his stunt driving, drifting, and being creative behind the wheel.
This video has now become one of the most popular in motorsports history, amassing over a billion views and counting.
Steven Arpin, his teammate in the Nitro RallyCross series, described him to ESPN as a great person who treated his friends like gold and would create opportunities for whoever wanted to put in the work.
"He was everything this world needs more of, and just happened to do a lot of really cool stuff on the side."
