The world of motorsport paid tribute to American Ken Block, the professional rally driver whose daring stunts made him an internet sensation, after his death aged 55 in a snowmobile accident.
Block’s Hoonigan Racing team confirmed his death in a statement on Instagram on Monday.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed,” it said.
The accident occurred in Utah’s Wasatch County and the Sheriff’s Office said that Block was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him.
“He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident,” it said, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident occurred.
Having begun his rallying career in 2005, Block was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He competed in the World Rally Championship and won several rallycross medals at the X Games.
The American co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series racked up millions of views on YouTube.
He also featured on the BBC programme Top Gear, including a sequence drifting and performing tyre burnouts around London with actor Matt LeBlanc.
Tributes pour in for Block
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, a former rally driver and president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said on Twitter that Block was “an inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport.”
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block. An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The @FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP @kblock43. pic.twitter.com/KUTgFtNTge
— Mohammed Ben Sulayem (@Ben_Sulayem) January 3, 2023
Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion, said he was in shock.
“Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style & infectious smile. Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man,” he said on Twitter.
In shock at the passing of Ken Block.
Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style & infectious smile.
Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man.
Sending love & hugs to the Block family ? #ripKen. pic.twitter.com/6HNhfSfc3R
— Jenson Button (@JensonButton) January 3, 2023
Nine-times world rally champion Sebastien Loeb, currently competing on the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia, posted a photograph with the words “RIP Legend”.
Seven-time F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton said on social media: “I’ve been mostly off social media to focus on my health and well being.
“Today I received the news of the loss of a dear friend. I am devastated to hear of Ken Block’s passing. He was such an amazing person, always lived life to the fullest.
“I remember our first time working together and how positive he was. So much talent behind the wheel. Years ago we had an amazing time held skiing and snowboarding in Canada.
“We held so much respect for one another. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go to his beautiful family. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Ken,” Hamilton concluded.
Mercedes also posted the following message on Twitter as tribute for the late Block.
Ken Block, a motorsport icon, gone too soon. ? https://t.co/h2yEX9jNlT
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) January 3, 2023
McLaren CEO Zak Brown also posted in twitter paying tribute for his compatriot.
Very sad. RIP Legend https://t.co/tCZKP7SUlm
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) January 3, 2023
Alpine driver Esteban Ocon dubbed Block a legend of motorsport in his tribute in Twitter as well.
We lost a legend of our sport today. Thank you Ken for sharing racing passion the way you did ?? pic.twitter.com/bhlLC5gJKe
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) January 3, 2023
(Reporting by Rohith Nair and Alan Baldwin, Additional reporting by GrandPrix247 )