Ken Block Coroner Report: How the Rally Legend Died in a Tragic Snowmobile Accident

Posted by Almeda Bohannan on Saturday, May 4, 2024

Ken Block, the American rally driver and YouTube sensation, died on January 2, 2024, at the age of 55. He was riding a snowmobile on his ranch in Utah when the vehicle flipped and landed on top of him, causing fatal injuries. His death shocked the motorsport world and his millions of fans, who admired his skills and stunts behind the wheel.

Who Was Ken Block?

Ken Block was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon in the world of rally and action sports. He co-founded the skate-wear brand DC Shoes in 1994, and later sold it to focus on his racing career. He competed in various rally series, such as Rally America, Global Rallycross, and World Rallycross, winning several medals and trophies. He also participated in other sports, such as motocross, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

But Block was best known for his viral video series “Gymkhana”, in which he performed spectacular feats of driving in different locations and vehicles. The 10-part series, which started in 2008, has amassed nearly two billion views on YouTube. Block also appeared on the BBC’s Top Gear program twice, and featured in four EA Sports racing video games.

What Happened on the Day of His Death?

According to the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Block was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope in the Mill Hollow area near his ranch in Woodland, Utah, on the afternoon of January 2, 2024. He was with a group of friends, but was alone when the accident occurred. The snowmobile upended and landed on top of him, crushing him underneath. He was pronounced dead at the scene from the injuries he sustained.

The sheriff’s office said that the investigation into Block’s death was still ongoing, and that the autopsy report would be released later. They also expressed their condolences to Block’s family and friends, and thanked the emergency responders who attended the scene.

How Did the Motorsport Community React to His Death?

Block’s death sent shockwaves across the motorsport community, as many of his fellow drivers, teams, and fans paid tribute to him on social media and in the media. They praised his talent, passion, and influence on the sport, and remembered his achievements and personality.

Hoonigan Industries, the clothing company that Block owned and that sponsored his racing team, confirmed his passing in a statement on Instagram. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed,” the statement read.

The American Rally Association, the governing body of rally racing in the US, said it was “gutted” at the news of Block’s passing. “He was a massive influence on everything he touched, including the global world of rallying,” it said in a statement on Facebook.

Former Formula One world champion Jenson Button called Block “a talent that did so much for our sport”. British former rally driver Malcolm Wilson told BBC Radio 5 that Block was an “infectious character” who helped bring the sport of rally racing to a global audience, especially through his social media videos. “What he did with cars, the stunts that he did were just truly amazing,” Wilson said.

Action sports icon Travis Pastrana, who took over Block’s Gymkhana series in 2020, said that Block was “so happy” in his final year. “At the races, he was happy to be racing with [his wife] Lucy and to have his daughter racing and to have his kids at most of the races,” Pastrana told ESPN. “Few people get to the point in their lives where everything comes together, and to have it all taken away like this is devastating.”

What Is the Legacy of Ken Block?

Ken Block leaves behind a legacy of innovation, inspiration, and entertainment in the world of motorsport and beyond. He pushed the boundaries of what was possible with a car, and created a unique style of driving that captivated millions of viewers. He also inspired a generation of drivers and fans to pursue their dreams and passions, and to have fun along the way.

Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children. He will be remembered as a legend, a hero, and a friend by many. Rest in peace, Ken Block.

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