Ken Block remembered
The motorsport world is mourning the loss of rallying legend and keen MX rider Ken Block, who passed away on Tuesday, January 2 following a snowmobile accident.
The co-founder of DC Shoes became an online sensation with his spectacular Gymkhana videos, sliding highly tuned cars between obstacles in a range of iconic locations, including central San Francisco, Pikes Peak, and the Las Vegas strip.
A statement on his company website, Hoonigan Industries, read: “It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident.
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.”
Gaining over one billion views on YouTube and drawing many new motorsport fans, his films included a number of two-wheeled stars, including former motocross sensation Travis Pastrana, the first rider to land a double backflip at the X Games, and Ricky Carmichael.
Block himself was also a major fan of motorcycles and rode motocross machines for enjoyment.
Posting his own tribute on social media, Pastrana said: “Ken was a lot of things to a lot of people… but first and foremost, he was an amazing family man.
“Ken was the heart of Rally in the United States,” he continued. “Ken lived his life to the fullest. Cut too short like so many of the greats before him. Rest in Peace buddy. You will never be forgotten.”
Another rider to pay tribute was 12time AMA Motocross and Supercross champ Ricky Carmichael, who said: “I have no words. Life doesn’t make sense at times. I’m heartbroken, and I hurt for his beautiful kids and wife. Gonna miss you KB.”