Rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block dies in snowmobile accident aged 55 – CNN

Professional rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block died in a snowmobile incident on Monday, his Hoonigan Racing team announced. He was fifty five.

“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, the father plus husband, ” Hoonigan Racing said in a statement. “He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve. ”

The accident occurred in 2 p. m. when Block has been riding a snowmobile down a steep slope within Wasatch County, Utah, according to the Wasatch Region Sheriff’s Office.

The snowmobile upended and landed on top of Block, the particular Sheriff’s Workplace said, plus he had been later pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.

“Mr. Block was riding with a group but has been alone whenever the incident occurred, ” a statement from the particular Sherriff’s Office said.

“The State Medical Examiner’s Workplace will determine the official cause of death. We are saddened to hear of the loss associated with Kenneth and our hearts are along with his family and friends so deeply affected.

“We thank all of our first responders for their continued service. ”

Before embarking on his rally driving career, Prevent co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes in 1994, which went on in order to become one of the most recognizable skateboarding apparel brands in the world.

He began rallying within 2005 plus two years later made his debut on the FIA World Move Championship (WRC) circuit in Mexico. He started 25 WRC events and won five X Games medals in RallyCross between 2006 and 2015.

“Shocked and saddened to hear the passing of the true icon of our sport, ” said Belgian rally driver Thierry Neuville. “A passionate racer and real pioneer that inspired so many of us. Rest within peace buddy. All my sympathies are usually with the family and friends. ”

Obstruct also gained fame for the Gymkhana YouTube series in which usually he performed driving stunts and drifts at different locations in the United States and around the world. The videos proved hugely popular and acquired hundreds of millions associated with views.

“In shock in the passing of Ken Block. Such a talent that will did therefore much for our sport, ” ex-Formula One driver Jenson Button wrote on Twitter.

“He was a true visionary with their own unique style & infectious smile. Our sports activity lost one of the particular best today but more importantly a great man. ”

Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, plus three children.

CNN’s Chris Boyette and Taylor Romine contributed to reporting.