Ken Block dies in Utah snowmobile accident
The IRDC regrets to report that Ken Block tragically died at the age of 55 on Monday following a snowmobile accident in Utah whilst riding with a group although he was on his own at the time of the accident. He died from injuries sustained when his snowmobile overturned on a steep uphill slope and landed on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Block had captivated his legions of fans for almost two decades with his exhilarating and dangerous stunts which made him a very popular internet sensation as well as being a fast and competent international rally driver. In 2005, he came to prominence as part of the Vermont SportsCar team driving a Subaru WRX STi and at the end of his first season, was awarded the Rally Car Rookie of the Year Award after finishing third overall. He then spent several years competing in various North America rallies as well as global events including the X Games and World Rally Championship, where he commendably achieved numerous podium finishes.
But it was in 2009 after filming his YouTube show Gymkhana 2 that he was propelled into TV and internet stardom, quickly growing a loyal band of committed fans enthralled by his escapades. Appearances on BBC's Top Gear, where he took presenter James May rallying across an airfield, increased his daredevil profile. In addition to his success as a rally driver, Block loved all action sports and demonstrated his versatility by competing in motocross, skateboarding, driving UTVs, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. He incorporated all these extreme sports into his online platform, amassing over eight million Instagram followers and two million subscribers to his YouTube channel.
Perhaps a little known indication of Ken Block's sublime versatility and potential was that his superstar status was such that a decade ago F1 tyre supplier Pirelli paved the way for his participation in testing a current grand prix car, before plans fell through before execution.
Always a popular driver at several Goodwood Festival of Speed events he drove at, Ken Block was made an honorary member of the IRDC in 2017 and we extend our deepest sympathies to Ken's family; Wife Lucy, 3 children and his many international friends and fans. RIP a true rally legend, enthusiast and engaging human being.
3rd January, 2023