THE world of action motorsports is today mourning the loss of one of its biggest stars, with the news that Ken Block has died.
Block, aged 55 at the time of his death, was riding a snowmobile in Utah at the time of the accident. It is reported that he was riding with a group that day, although when the crash occurred he had been on his own. The sheriff's office has confirmed that at the time he’d been negotiating a steep slope at the time of the crash, with his snowmobile apparently up-ending and landing on top of him. It has been confirmed that he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Block has been called a ‘visionary’ by his company Hoonigan Industries, which paid tribute to the action sports star on its Instagram page. The post reads:
‘It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today.
Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.
He will be incredibly missed.
Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve’
Ken was best known for his achievements on four wheels, although his love of adrenalin-fuelled adventure saw him driving, riding motocross, racing WRC, and even skateboarding. Block also co-founded the skate clothing brand DC Shoes, and his YouTube channel was one of the most successful in the motorsport sphere.
The motorcycle world reacts to the passing of Ken Block.
With his passing, the motorcycling world has reacted to his death on social media, with tributes pouring in from the worlds of motocross, MotoGP, and BSB.
Ducati MotoGP team boss Paulo Ciabatti came into contact with Block through the Italian factory’s links to Audi. Block had spent the last months completing a Quattro rally car project, along with a car built for his daughter Lia Block.
One of the biggest names in motocross also paid tribute to the star, with Ricky Carmichael joining the outpouring of grief.
1997 Monster Energy Supercross champion Jeff Emig also took time to remember Block.
He was also well known for promoting his brands in TV shows like Top Gear and the racing game franchise Dirt. Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children.
