Ken Block, a co-founder of Hoonigan and a professional rally racer, died at the age of 55. His team, the Hoonigan Racing Division, announced his demise. Since his death, social media has been flooded with tributes to the athlete. The Hoonigans announced Ken Block’s death on their official Instagram account. He perished in a snowmobile accident, they said. They also stated:
“Ken was a pioneer, a visionary, and an icon. Most significantly, he is a parent and spouse. He will be sorely missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
In a Facebook post, the American Rally Association also announced his death. They revealed:
“He had a huge impact on everything he touched, including the worldwide world of rallying. His leadership inside the ARA over the last five years has been priceless, and he will be much missed.”
According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Ken Block was riding on a steep hill at Mill Hollow, outside of Woodland, during the afternoon when his snowmobile “upended, landing on top of him.” The rally driver was riding alone at the time of the event, although he was part of a group. Ken Block was declared deceased on the spot. The State Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to identify the formal cause of death, according to the police. Prior to his death, Block turned to Instagram and uploaded photographs from the snow-covered mountains where he died.
As Ken Block dies away, tributes flow in.
Netizens were stunned to learn of the death of the DC shoe co-founder. Many people showed their respect for the driver and gave supportive words. Internet people expressed their sympathies to his family as well. Following are some of the responses to his death:
R.I.P @kblock43 #KenBlock 😭 thanks for everything pic.twitter.com/E4xzOAdEXm
— Tim Coronel (@TimCoronel) January 3, 2023
A legend lost too soon, RIP Ken Block👏🏽. pic.twitter.com/4IbPNBo7Nh
— George Chakama 👨🏽💻 (@gtchakama) January 3, 2023
His wife Lucy and their three children survive the pro rally driver. Lia, Block’s 16-year-old daughter, seems to have followed in her father’s footsteps as a driver.
Who exactly is Ken Block?
Long Beach, California, is where the racing aficionado was born. After co-founding the successful shoe brand DC Shoes, he was encouraged to attempt rally racing by his buddy Travis Pastrana. Block started his professional driving career with the Vermont SportsCar team in 2005. During his 2005 season, he had five top-five finishes and finished third in the Group N class and fourth overall in the Rally America National Championship. He had earned Rally America Rookie of the Year at the conclusion of his first year of competition.
Block earned 19 podiums and 8 overall wins in rally events by 2007.
Block was named as the Monster World Rally Team’s driver for some World Rally Championship races in 2010. He was the first American driver to compete in the race. He revealed in early 2021 that his team Hoonigan was leaving Ford before their arrangement with Audi was finalized. During his racing career, he appeared on various television programs, including Top Gear and Stunt Junkies. He also established the Gymkhana video series, which has become a YouTube fan favorite.
