Top Gear star and rally legend dies aged 55 after horror snowmobile accident

2023-01-03

Ken Block, who starred on a several episodes of Top Gear, has died aged 55.

Ken was a professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division, with his team announcing the news of his devastating death yesterday, 2 January.

“It’s with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today,” the statement began. “Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband.

“He will be incredibly missed.”

They added: “Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve,” as they shared an email address to direct all enquiries to.

Utah’s Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed the news of Ken’s passing.

"On January 2, 2023 at approximately 2pm, the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area," they said.

"Search and Rescue, along with law enforcement from Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the US 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."

The Sheriff’s Office went on to add that Ken had been riding in a group, but was alone at the time of the accident.

Ken is survived by his wife and their three children.

As well as being a rally driver, the star appeared to be a keen snow sports fan and often took to Instagram to show off the activities he took part in to his seven million Instagram followers.

Just hours before his passing, Ken shared a snap of the deep snow at his Utah ranch.

In a photo taken from the inside of his car, Ken wrote: “Sketchy and snowy drive with some great snowboard entertainment," referring to the podcast he was listening to.

A few days earlier, he’d shared photographs of his family enjoying the holiday season together.

“Merry Christmas from the Blocks, from Baldface Lodge!” he penned. “Here’s a photo dump of some of my fav shots. From the amazing snow, to the incredible hospitality of Jeff Pensiero and his family, to watching Jamie Lynn scale the rafters to install the star on the tree, to watching my kids get better and better at shredding… it was an epic holiday trip. Hope you all had a great holiday!”

Dozens have expressed their sadness over the news of Ken’s untimely passing, labelling the father-of-three as a “legend”.

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