RACER TRAGEDY
Ken Block dead at 55 – Top Gear star and rally driver legend’s cause of death revealed after horror accident
RALLY car driving champ and former Top Gear star Ken Block, has died at the age of 55 after a snowmobile crash.
Block's team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his death saying "he will be incredibly missed."
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"Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband," the team said in a statement.
He was world-respected rally and stunt driver.
And he reached whole new legion of fans thanks to his antics on social media and Top Gear.
Top Gear reboot host Matt LeBlanc posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
"So saddened by the loss of Ken Block. A true talent and friend taken far too soon," he wrote.
"You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting you my friend."
Alex Renton, executive producer of Top Gear, told The Sun Online: "Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
"We had the pleasure to work with Ken on several occasions over the years and his contributions were always so memorable and exciting for our audience.
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"We were honoured to have had the chance to work with him and learn from him."
The horror accident took place on Block's ranch in northern Utah.
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 action sports star was at his ranch sharing pictures of the snow-covered state on Instagram early Monday morning.
One of his recent posts shows a few snowmobiles blanketed in snow.
He had been performing stunts on a snowmobile last week in Idaho - and even then admitted its power had taken him by surprise.
"Lots of power up at high elevations, and wheelies all day! Epic early season powder, and an amazing first day. Wheelies, deep pow turns, and a lot of learning on this new sled – good times," he wrote.
And he had been snowmobiling in Utah as he kept fans up to date on Instagram.
On Monday, hours before his death, he wrote: "It’s been DUMPING snow in Park City, Utah this week with more forecasted for the weekend, and we wouldn’t be able to make it out to the ranch without the @SkiDoo sleds and @KubotaUSA machinery to clear the way!
"Can’t wait to see how much more powder stacks up over the next few days."
Block became one of the most famous Rally car drivers in the world after he started competing in 2005.
He landed Rookie of the Year in his first season in the Rally America Championship.
The rally car star made many overall wins and podium appearances.
Block also competed in motocross, skateboarding, and other action sports.
He was known to British fans after appearing in several 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.
May paid tribute to block on Twitter and share a link to their airfield rally video.
"RIP Ken Block, with thanks for some hilarious days out," he wrote.
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Top Gear also saw him race against F1 champ Lewis Hamilton at a live event in Barbados.
Hamilton pitted his Mercedes F1 car against Block's Hoonigan rallycross car in front of a huge crowd.
Block drifted around the dusty off road course while Lewis threaded his car through a nearby tarmac track.
In 2016, he appeared in an episode of the rebooted series of Top Gear, driving around London with host and former Friends star Matt LeBlanc.
The episode later sparked controversy after it was revealed the pair performed doughnuts, burnouts, and wheelspins on the streets of the capital, leaving blackened tyre streaks along Whitehall close to the Cenotaph memorial.
In the face of the controversy, the BBC later apologised and the Cenotaph footage was never aired.
Block also co-founded the skating fashion brand DC Shoes in 1994 with his business partner Damon Way.
Later, he became an internet sensation, introducing a new generation of fans to his incredible stunts.
Block produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses.
The series racked up millions of views on Youtube.
Ken leaves behind his wife Lucy and his daughter Lia, 16, - who is also a driver, and two other children.
The world of motorsport is also mourning Block, with 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button leading tributes.
"Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style & infectious smile," said Jenson.
"Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man."
Block was also a popular figure on social media, with more than 7.6million followers on Instagram and 2million on YouTube.
He also co-founded DC Shoes with business partner Damon Way in 1994.
And just a few months ago he signed a new deal with Audi to promote the car firm's electric vehicles.
Speaking to The Sun just after his controversial Cenotaph stunt, Block spoke about getting old.
“I’m getting old - handling the fear is getting more and more difficult," he said.
"In the past year I’ve done two of the most dangerous things I’ve done, which is sliding at the edge of a cliff at Pike’s Peak for Climbkhana and sliding the car with part of the wheel off the edge of a dock for Gymkhana 9.
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“It takes a lot of nerve to do this stuff, especially when you’re dealing with a big car and placing it within inches, it can be quite difficult sometimes.
"It’s part of what makes this such a big thrill for me. I started it because it really was a dream come true."
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