American rally driving legend Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident at the age of 55.
Block, who was also known for his YouTube channel and for founding skate brand DC Shoes, was driving the vehicle up a steep slope in Wasatch County, Utah, when it flipped and landed on top of him.
Hoonigan Industries, another clothing company owned by Block, confirmed his death on Monday.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed,” the company posted on Instagram.
The American Rally Association said: “He was a massive influence on everything he touched, including the global world of rallying.”
Here’s the story of Block’s career, from rally victories to Top Gear appearances.
Rally career
Block started his professional rallying career in 2005, winning Rally America’s Rookie of the Year award in his first season while racing for Vermont SportsCar, before signing with Subaru.
The following year he won a bronze medal at the first ever X Games rally event, and finished second in the 2006 Rally America National Championship.
He had another successful year in 2007, winning silver at the X Games and coming third in the national championship. He went on to finish second overall in 2008 and again in 2013, though never won the competition.
Block also achieved multiple podium finishes in the FIA World Rallycross Championship and Global Rallycross Championship, though also branched out beyond rally, competing in the likes of motocross, skateboarding and snowboarding.
He founded Monster World Rally Team in 2010, which later became the Hoonigan Racing Division.
YouTube channel and TV
Block achieved significant popularity with his “Gymkhana” YouTube series, that saw him tackle daring motoring stunts.
The series spanned 10 episodes and quickly earned him more than two million subscribers.
In 2009, Block first appeared on Top Gear, finding him more success with a UK audience. He took James May out for a Gymkhana-style driving session at his stunt course at Inyokern Airport in California.
The BBC was forced to apologise after Block and Matt LeBlanc made doughnuts near the Cenotaph during filming for a 2016 episode that was never aired.
Block also appeared in four separate racing video games made by EA Sports.
Clothing brands
Black founded DC Shoes in June 1994 along with designer Damon Way and Clayton Blehm.
After selling his ownership of the company, which is one of the world’s most recognisable skate brands, Block shifted his business focus to Hoonigan Industries, a clothing brand for motorsport enthusiasts.
He held the title of “Head Hoonigan In Charge” at the company.
