S. Ochieng2022 East Africa Classic Rally participant Ken Block dies in snowmobile accident
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 03.01.23. | 09:44
Block was in Kenya for the 2022 East Africa Classic Rally.
Pro rally driver Ken Block, who later became an internet sensation with his daring stunts behind the wheel, has died aged 55 after a snowmobile accident on Tuesday morning, his team Hoonigan Racing has confirmed.
“It is with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block has passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer ad an icon. And most importantly, a father and a husband. He will be incredibly missed,” the statement read.
The local Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the accident occurred in Utah’s Wasatch County as Block was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him.
“He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident,” they said in a statement, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident occurred.
The legend has rested.
— Road Alerts (@RoadAlertsKE) January 3, 2023
This is sad news of passing of the legendary Ken Block who passed on due to snowmobile accident.#RIPKenBlock pic.twitter.com/hZNbFmFepA
In 2022, an excited Block visited Kenya and participated in the East Africa Classic Rally for the first time in the rally widely regarded as the world’s greatest classic Rally
"Tomorrow Alex Gelsomino and I do our first test together (day 1 of 2 of testing) for our final prep for the East African Safari Classic Rally in Kenya! I’ve been wanting to race this historic event for a long time, as it is one of the most epic and classic rally races.
I have wanted to race it for many years, and now I finally get the chance this year!" he posted on his Twitter account back in April 2022.
(1/2) Tomorrow @AlexGelsomino and I do our first test together (day 1 of 2 of testing) for our final prep for the East African Safari Classic Rally in Kenya! I’ve been wanting to race this historic event for a long time, as it is one of the most epic and classic rally races... pic.twitter.com/Z2H0ZJIYRV
— Ken Block (@kblock43) February 5, 2022
Shortly after the news, Safari Rally Kenya conveyed their condolences on the passing of Block.
“What a sad morning. We deeply mourn the loss of Legend Ken Block, who graced our country for the 2022 East African Classic Rally. Legends never die! Your memories will forever live, RIP,” they posted.
Having begun his rallying career in 2005, Block was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He competed in the World Rally Championship and won several rallycross medals at the X Games.
The American also co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series racked up millions of views on YouTube.
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