Motorsport star Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident. Several Formula 1 legends mourn the loss of “one of the best”.
Wasatch County – Motorsport star Ken Block died at the age of 55 in a snowmobile accident in Wasatch County, Utah. This has been confirmed by Hoonigan Racing, the rally driver’s racing team. Ken Block is best known for his spectacular drift videos on YouTube.
| Name: Ken Block |
| Born: November 21, 1967 in Long Beach, California (USA) |
| Died: January 2, 2023 |
| Ehefrau: Lucy Block |
| Rally driver and YouTube star |
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, an icon,” racing team Hoonigan Racing said on its website. “But above all he was a father, a husband.” Block leaves behind his wife and three children.
Ken Block dead: Formula 1 legends react ‘shocked’ – ‘true visionary’
News of the motorsport star’s death also caused deep sadness in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton wrote on Instagram on Tuesday that he was devastated. “He was such a wonderful person, he enjoyed life to the fullest,” stressed the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. Hamilton recalled a joint helicopter, skiing and snowboarding experience a few years ago in Canada with a photo: ” We had so much respect for each other.”
Jenson Button, another former Formula 1 world champion, was “shocked” by news of Ken Block’s death. The former McLaren driver tweeted: “Our sport today lost one of its best, but above all a great man.” Block had “done a lot for the sport” and was a “true visionary”. Germany’s former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg commented under Block’s latest Instagram post: “Rest in peace, Ken!”
YouTube star Ken Block dies in a snowmobile accident
The local sheriff’s office released a statement detailing the snowmobile incident. Block drove Monday (January 2) in the Mill Hollow area up a steep incline. The snowmobile fell and landed on the motorsport star.
After first responders and police, among others, rushed to the scene of the crash, he was pronounced dead instantly, it was said. Although Block was traveling with a group, he was driving alone when the accident occurred. The official cause of death has yet to be determined by the coroner in charge.
Block gained international fame through his Gymkhana videos. The high-quality productions feature spectacular drifts and stunts filmed around the world. More than two million people have subscribed to his YouTube channel. In everyday racing, Block has competed in various rally championships since 2005. He was also successful in rallycross and won medals at the X Games (ph/dpa/sid)
