The action sports world is mourning the loss of Pro Rally legend and YouTube star Ken Block. Block, who co-founded Hoonigans and DC Shoes was killed in a snowmobile accident on Monday, January 2nd. The deadly accident happened near his home in Utah.
Hoonigan confirmed his passing in a social media post:
Block was by all accounts not just an action sports visionary but also a family man. During the 2022 American Rally Association season he raced along side his wife Lucy and their 16 year old daughter Lia. This video recapping his '22 rally title chase was just posted on YouTube three weeks ago. He also leaves behind two other children.
A statement posted to social media by the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office said that Block was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when it upended and landed on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries.
Last October, Block debuted his long awaited Electrikhana video which features a newly developed all-electric prototype Audi S1 Hoonitron. Last year, he also drove a Rally Dakar Audi RS Q e-tron in the GP Ice Race 2022. Block joined the Audi family in '21.
A statement from Audi reads:
“We are saddened by this news and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Member of the Board for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “Ken was a pioneer and in recent years also a member of the Audi family. He was valued and warmly welcomed by all. We have lost a great person and respected sportsman, who will always have his place in the history of Audi Sport.”
Block also had close relationships with Ford Performance as well as Subaru. In 2005, Block made his rally debut at Sno*Drift Rally in an Impreza WRX STI. Block finished his first competitive rally season fourth overall and was named 2005 SCCA ProRally Rookie of the Year. He was recently back behind a Subaru in 2021 for the first time since 2009.
A social media statement from the American Rally Association reads in part: " He was a massive influence on everything he touched, including the global world of rallying.".
Ken Block with co-driver Alex Gelsomino. The duo drove a Subaru WRX STI during the 2021 Rally Season. Photo Credit: Subaru.
Ken Block, professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division at Ford / CES 2017. Credit: Ford.
Block was also well-known for his popular series of “Gymkhana” stunt videos on YouTube. The 55 year old was also involved in other sports including skateboarding, snowboarding. He sold his ownership in DC shoes in 2004.
Photo Credit: Audi.
Editors note: This post was updated January 6th with a statement from Ford.