Action sports star and Hoonigan founder Ken Block died at the age of 55 in a snowmobile accident near his home in Utah on Monday, Hoonigan Industries confirmed on its social media pages.
Block was known for his career as a professional rally driver, winning five X Games medals in RallyCross, and for his revolutionary approach to action sports marketing and filmmaking, including his success on YouTube.
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“It’s with deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” the company said in a statement. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed.”
Block was riding a snowmobile down a steep slope in Wasatch County when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him, according to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office. He was later pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries in the accident, but an autopsy will be conducted later.
“We are saddened to hear of the loss of Kenneth and our hearts are with his family and friends so deeply affected,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Prior to his success in action sports, Block co-founded DC Shoes in 1994, which became one of the most successful skateboard apparel companies in the world. He was also known for his Gymkhana YouTube videos, which showcased him performing driving stunts and drifts. He became one of the most successful motor sports YouTubers in history, with more than 1 billion views on the videos.
“Ken was a legend in his ability to take a vision and make it a reality. He created an industry,” Steve Arpin, Block’s teammate in the Nitro RallyCross series, told ESPN. “But if you were lucky enough to know him, that’s where the best parts of Ken surfaced. He treated his friends like gold and would create opportunities for whoever wanted to put in the work. He was everything this world needs more of, and just happened to do a lot of really cool stuff on the side.”
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Block’s death comes less than a year after he raced his daughter Lia and wife Lucy at the American Rally Association Championship last March. He is survived by Lucy, Lia, and two other children.
