Top Gear star and rally legend Ken Block dies after snowmobile accident
Rally car legend and Top Gear star Ken Block has tragically died in a snowmobile accident.
Hoonigan Racing Division has confirmed the devastating news of his death in a statement on social media.
In a post on Instagram. they said: "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 husband. He will be incredibly missed.
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"Please respect the family's privacy at this time while they grieve."
Mr Block began rallying almost two decades ago and won Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship.
He went on to compete at the World Rally Championship and won several medals at the X Games.
As well as his glittering racing career, he also co-founded the sportswear brand DC Shoes and appeared in the American version of Top Gear.
He is survived by his wife Lucy and their three children.
His death happened in Utah's Wasatch County, with the County Sheriff's Office confirming they responded to the tragedy.
Authorities said the snowmobile was overturned when they arrived and Block died at the scene.
A spokesperson said: "On January 2, 2023 at approximately 2pm, the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area.
"Search and Rescue, along with law enforcement from Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the US Forest Service responded.
"The driver, Kenneth Block, 55-year-old male out of Park City, Utah, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended, landing on top of him.
"He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.
"Mr Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred."
Shortly before he died, he posted a story on Instagram showing him out in the snow and sounding cautious about the conditions.
Mr Block had captioned one snowy scene: “Sketchy and snowy drive with some great snowboard entertainment.”
In another he shared a shot of several vehicles covered in a thick layer of snow.
Stewart Perrie