Rally car driver Ken Block dies at age of 55 in a snowmobile accident

Ethan Smith

Many former students are reaching their dreams after graduating Eagle High. Former student Jacob Smith has loved racing and considered Ken Block a role model.

Kamden Hurren, Reporter

The creator of Hoonigan Racing Division, professional rally car driver, Ken Block died in a snowmobiling accident in Utah on Jan. 2. 

 “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,” according to Utah Wasatch County Sheriff’s office. “He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.” police reported. 

Block’s success began when he became a co-founder of Droors Clothing and DC Shoes. These brands helped create shoes and clothing for skaters and snowboarders in the early 2000s.  

Block’s competitive rally career started in 2005. He garnered further global fame via his Gymkhana series on YouTube.  He later on started his own YouTube channel, Hoonigan, where car enthusiasts around the world can watch professional drivers do crazy stunts in supped-up cars. 

 “Hoonigan was easily my favorite channel to watch growing up,” said junior Revan Perry. Perry himself is also a snowmobiler and was devastated to hear the news about Block’s death. 

Recently, Hoonigan has added to their YouTube family with Block’s 16-year-old daughter, Lia Block. Lia Block made her first appearance with her dad on Hoonigan with them restoring a 1985 Audi Ur-Quattro. This car became Lia Block’s first car later on. 

Ken Block has left a legacy for car enthusiasts as he had hoped to inspire everyone to build and love cars like he once did.