Ken Block death latest: Cause of death revealed as tributes pour in for iconic rally driver who died aged 55
TRIBUTES are pouring in following the tragic death of legendary rally driver Ken Block, 55.
The iconic racer, who rose to fame in 2005 when he made his racing debut, died from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident while on his ranch in Utah.
Taking to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute Ken's daughter, Lia Block, said: "Yesterday I didn’t just lose my father, I lost my best friend.
"He was truly my whole world and the only person I ever looked up too. No matter what I did he was always there to support me."
Block reached a whole new legion of fans after he made two appearances on Top Gear, performing a number of daring stunts, including
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Top Gear chief remembers Ken Block
Alex Renton, executive producer of Top Gear, looked back on Ken’s stunning life and career.
He said: “Ken was a trailblazer in the automotive industry. When he released Gymkhana 1 in 2008 he had the entire Top Gear office wide-eyed in amazement.
“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.
“We were honoured to have had the chance to work with him and learn from him. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues right now.”
Ken will be ‘truly missed’
One fan said: “Ken you are an inspiration to so many even an entire generation you will be truly missed.”
A second added: “Ken Block was the only man on the planet that can shut down LA just to drift a mustang RIP goat.”
A third said: “RIP #KenBlock. Man was an absolute legend!”
Olivia Attwood pays tribute
Olivia Attwood has shared a touching tribute to “seriously talented” Top Gear star Ken Block.
Ken‘s team Hoonigan Racing Division shared the news of his passing saying “he will be incredibly missed.”
Olivia, who worked as a grid girl before finding Love Island fame, took to her Instagram page to post a throwback snap.
It showed the Olivia Meets Her Match star looking youthful and flashing her ripped abs in a black top, as she posed at a Monster Energy event with her arm around Ken.
She wrote in her caption: “RIP” followed by a sad faced Emoji.
What was his last YouTube video?
Ken Block’s latest YouTube video was “Go fast risk every thang”.
It was released two weeks ago and has already accumulated over 877,000 views.
The video explored behind the scenes of the 2022 American Rally Association season.
The description of the video explained: “This is the mantra that we often have to use when racing rally.
“Sometimes it leads to champagne ceremonies, sometimes to crashed cars.
“In the 2022 American Rally Association season, it often led to both.”
Ken Block co-founded iconic fashion brand DC Shoes
In 1994, long before his rally racing debut, Ken Block co-founded the legendary fashion brand DC Shoes with his business partner Damon Way.
DC’s “about us” page reads: “In 1994, DC created a line of shoes specifically for skateboarders with a mission to make a significant change in skateboard shoe style and elevate skateboarding performance to the highest level.
“That mission grew to create a brand that forever changed the face of action sports.
“Today, DC stands as a global brand whose product line has expanded to include men’s, women’s and kids’ skateboarding and lifestyle shoes, apparel, snowboards, snowboard boots, outerwear and accessories.
“As one of the cornerstones of its marketing strategy, DC has built a world-class team of professional skateboarding and snowboarding athletes that exemplify and enhance DC’s brand, develop its signature products, and support its promotional efforts.
“DC continues to stay true to its original mission—to be the most sought after skate driven action sports brand.”
Does Ken Block have children?
Ken and Lucy had three children together, all daughters.
His eldest daughter is 16-year-old Lia – who is also a driver.
She had competed for her father’s Hoonigan Racing team since she was 11.
The names and ages of their two other children have been kept out of the public eye.
Ken Block hailed as a ‘visionary’ in heartfelt tribute
In a touching tribute to Ken Block written for Thrasher Magazine, Michael Blabac hailed Ken Block as a “visionary” who helped his friends achieve things they didn’t think were possible.
: “He was a visionary who saw things in a way no one else had, and he helped those around him achieve things that even they did not think possible.
“He was an incredible friend and mentor to myself, Danny, Colin, Dyrdek, Kalis and everyone else who was lucky enough to know him or work alongside him.
“My deepest condolences to his wife Lucy, his three beautiful kids and all of his friends. Rest in peace, Ken. “
Everything you need to know about Ken Block’s legendary car collection
Block lived and breathed cars and had multiple bespoke motors created just for him for his Hoonigan brand with manufacturers like Ford, Porsche and Audi worth millions of pounds.
We’ve rounded up some of the best here to celebrate the Drift King.
- 1994 Ford Escort Cosworth V2
- 1977 Ford F-150 Hoonitruck
- 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn
- 2013 Ford F-150 Raptortrax
- 1974 Ford Bronco
- 2022 Audi S1 Hoonitron
- 2022 Porsche 911 Hoonipigasus
Ken Block was also a video game legend
Ken Block was an icon of so many communities, including in the world of video games.
Block, thanks to his successes in skating and racing, appeared in several video games over the years.
He appeared in Colin McRae’s Dirt 2 and Dirt 3, and his legendary Hoonigan cars appeared in Forza Motorsport 7 and Forza Horizon 3, 4, and 5.
On top of this, Block played himself in the 2015 film adaptation of the video game series Need for Speed.
When did Ken Block found Hoonigan?
Block founded Hoonigan Industries in 2010 initially to support Hoonigan Racing Division and help him compete for world championships in rallying.
The team was first sponsored by energy drink company Monster, and was called Monster World Rally Team, but was later renamed Hoonigan Racing Division.
Block claimed second place in the 2014 Global RallyCross representing the team.
Alongside the racing section of the company, Block also owned Hoonigan Industries until his death in January 2023.
The company makes apparel for motorsport enthusiasts.
More racers pay tribute to Ken Block (2/2)
Tributes continue to pour in from racers across the globe.
Oliver Solberg said: “My hero, my friend. You were a true inspiration and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and help you gave me. All my thoughts are with the family.”
While, Petter Solberg noted: “A top driver, a great friend, a family man, and an inspiration to millions all over the world. Today is a very sad day and all our thoughts are with Ken’s amazing family.”
And Sébastien Ogier wrote: “Such sad news. Ken was a visionary, so passionate and inspiring. He knew like no other how to combine motorsport and a big show. He lived his life to the fullest and I’ll never forget his smile and laugh. Sending my thoughts and support to his family and friends.”
Gus Greensmith said: “The impact this man has left on the motorsport world will resonate for generations to come. A visionary & a pioneer of all things Hooning, there really was only one Ken Block. My deepest sympathies to the Block family.”
More racers pay tribute to Ken Block (1/2)
Thierry Neuville said: “Shocked and saddened to hear the passing of a true icon of our sport.
“A passionate racer and real pioneer that inspired so many of us. Rest in peace buddy.
“All my sympathies are with the family and friends.”
And Hayden Paddon noted: “Can’t believe the news today of Ken Block’s passing. Way too soon for someone who has done so much for our sport.
“It was an absolute pleasure working with you on some events and I can not imagine how hard this will be for family and friends.
“Passing on our best wishes to everyone! RIP but will never be forgotten!”
Dani Sordo added: “A tough day for motorsports and sports. My deepest condolences to the Block family and friends. Rest in peace Ken, and thank you for the great show you always gave us!”
More information on Ken Block’s horror accident revealed by police
In a statement, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said: “On January 2, 2023 at approximately 2:00 p.m., 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 U.S. 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.
“The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
“We are saddened to hear of the loss of Kenneth and our hearts are with his family and friends so deeply affected.
“We thank all of our first responders for their continued service.”
When did Ken Block found Hoonigan?
Block founded Hoonigan Industries in 2010 initially to support Hoonigan Racing Division and help him compete for world championships in rallying.
The team was first sponsored by energy drink company Monster, and was called Monster World Rally Team, but was later renamed Hoonigan Racing Division.
Block claimed second place in the 2014 Global RallyCross representing the team.
Alongside the racing section of the company, Block also owned Hoonigan Industries until his death in January 2023.
The company makes apparel for motorsport enthusiasts.
Monster Energy pays tribute to Ken Block
Following the tragic news of his passing, fans flooded social media to pay tribute to racing icon Ken Block.
One tribute came from Monster Energy, who tweeted a picture of the drift king and said “43 forever” with a broken heart emoji.
Block had close ties with Monster, with the company appearing as a sponsor on his cars and merchandise.
Inside the early days of Ken Block’s racing career
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.
Ken will be ‘truly missed’
One fan said: “Ken you are an inspiration to so many even an entire generation you will be truly missed.”
A second added: “Ken Block was the only man on the planet that can shut down LA just to drift a mustang RIP goat.”
A third said: “RIP #KenBlock. Man was an absolute legend!”
What car did Ken Block use on Top Gear?
The 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn is the car Ken used to take Matt LeBlanc for a high-speed tour of London on Top Gear.
Then it had an absurd 845hp from its ford V8 engine, but it has since been upgraded to 1,400hp.
Tommy Lee pays tribute
Tommy Lee posted a picture alongside Ken with the caption: “Ken.. you gave us all the greatest ride if our lives … may the universe give you the greatest ride in return! F*** you’re gonna be missed brother! RIP”
Oliver Bennett: ‘The world lost the best'
Bristolian World Rallycross and Extreme E driver Oliver Bennett, who also the founded the Xite Energy drink company, paid tribute to Ken Block in a heartfelt message.
Bennett said: “The world lost the best.
“RIP Ken and condolences to those closest to him.
“I found rallycoss through this visionary.
“My first ever FIA WRX race he gave me all he could to help me feel comfortable.
“The biggest visionary and nicest guy I’ve met and raced with.
“I’m sure he’s influenced all our lives in some way within the motorsport world whether it’s the way we design liveries or thinking we can drift around donut shops.
“You’ll be missed forever.”
Ari Vatanen thanks Ken Block in poetic message of remembrance
Finnish rally driver, politician and Member of the European Parliament between 1999 and 2009, Ari Vatanen, made a poetic tribute to Ken Block.
Vatanen said: "Go fast risk every thang was your slogan.
"There is no progress in life without risks.
"You pushed the limits to the heights nobody imagined.
"Gravity did not seem to hold you down.
"You showed us that impossible is possible.
"You changed the car culture.
"You gave wings for our dreams.
"You left a trace in our hearts.
"You did it with smile.
"Thank you Ken!
"You are now in the Eternal Light."
WRC sends ‘sympathies’ to Ken Block’s family and friends
The World Rally Championship (WRC) sent condolences to Ken Block’s friends and family following his tragic death.
Block tragically passed away on Monday aged 55 following a snowmobile accident at his Utah ranch.
WRC tweeted: "The #WRC family extends its sympathies to the family and friends of motorsport icon Ken Block."
GTA 5 fans make video game homage to Ken Block
Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) players have used the sandbox game – games where there is an open world you can explore at your leisure – to create an homage to Ken Block.
A group of players used GTA 5 to recreate stunts from Block’s 2014 Gymkhana Seven stunt video.
The video was posted by Redditor ‘xz_VyRus’.
The Crew 2 pays tribute to Ken Block
The Crew 2, a 2018 open world racing game, paid tribute to Ken Block following his tragic death on Monday aged 55 following a snowmobile accident at his Utah ranch.
The Crew 2 tweeted: "We are deeply saddened to hear of Ken Block's passing.
"He will be sorely missed."