Rally driver Ken Block has died age 55 after a snowmobile accident, his racing division team has confirmed in a statement.
Tributes have poured in for the Top Gear and YouTube star, with Hoonigan motorsports describing him as 'a visionary, a pioneer and an icon.' In a statement, the company confirmed the sad news of his death.
On Monday (January 2) they posted on social media: "It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon.
"And most importantly, a father and a husband. He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family's privacy at this time while they grieve."
Rally car driver Karen led tributes on social media, tweeting: "Can’t believe you are gone. In a blink of an eye. A legend, a father and husband. Will miss you so much". Photographer Auditya Venkatesh added: "What a loss. Thank you for bringing a sense of speed and excitement to a whole generation #KenBlock."
The accident took place on Block's ranch in Utah's Wasatch County. The Sun reports that Wasatch County Sheriff's Office said he was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of him.
The sports star had shared photos of his snowmobile collection on social media just days before his tragic death. He captioned the post on Twitter: "This is how some mornings at my ranch in Utah look this time of year – freshly coated with snow!"
Ken was one of the most famous rally car drivers in the world and won the Rally America Rookie of the Year award after his first season of competing in 2005. He took part in five major championships across 13 years.
A multi-talented athlete, Ken also competed in many action sports events, including skateboarding, snowboarding, and motocross. He went on to set up Hoonigan racing division in 2011.
The rally driver found fame in the UK after appearing in two episodes of Top Gear. In the first, he starred alongside James May as 'Captain Slow' partnered with him in his Subaru for a rally stage around Inyokern Airport in California.
And in the second he was challenged by Jeremy Clarkson to drive a three-wheeled Reliant Robin around the test track - but he rolled it at the first corner and escaped unharmed.
An entrepreneur as well as a sportsman, Ken was also known for co-founding the skating fashion brand DC Shoes in 1994 with his business partner Damon Way. More recently, he produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses.
The series racked up millions of views and subscribers on Youtube. He is survived by his wife Lucy and his 16-year-old daughter Lia, who is also a driver.
Ken's heartbreaking last social media before his death was a teaser of the final instalment of a YouTube series followed Lia as she renovated her Audi Ur Quattro. Posting two photos of Lia stood next to the vehicle, he had enthused in a tweet: "The 4th and final episode of my 16-year-old daughter Lia buying, tearing down, rebuilding and now driving her ‘85 Audi Ur Quattro will be live at 8am PST tomorrow on my YouTube channel. Will her Audi finally do a donut?? Or will itbreak in the attempt? Tune in to find out!"
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