Jan 2 (Portal) – Professional rally driver Ken Block, who later became an internet sensation with his daring stunts behind the wheel, died at the age of 55 after a snowmobile accident, his team Hoonigan Racing said on Monday.
“It is with our deepest regret that we can confirm that Ken Block died in a snowmobile accident today,” Hoonigan said in a statement on Instagram.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And above all a father and husband. He will be missed beyond belief.”
The accident happened in Wasatch County, Utah, and the sheriff’s office said Block was driving on a steep incline when the snowmobile overturned and landed on him.
“He was pronounced deceased at the scene of the accident,” they said in a statement, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident happened.
After beginning 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 multiple rallycross medals at the X Games.
The American also co-founded the sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the video series Gymkhana in which he rode dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series has been viewed millions of times on YouTube.
Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford
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