Ken Block, Hoonigan Founder, Killed in a Snowmobile Accident at 55

[Famine]

This is the discussion thread for an article on GTPlanet:

Ken Block, Hoonigan Founder, Killed in a Snowmobile Accident at 55​

Rally driver and automotive car culture icon Ken Block has been killed aged 55 in a snowmobile accident in Utah...

 

[Nismonath5]

I was just watching the final episode of his daughter's Quattro build.

Absolutely devastated.

 

[NotThePrez]

Such devastating news. Regardless of what one might've thought of his abilities as a racer, it cannot be understated how major of an impact Ken, his videos, brand(s) and all the connections and waves he made in his career have had on car culture as a whole. He most certainly played a significant role in bringing more popularity and awareness to Rally Racing in the US, which is an accomplishment in of itself.

RIP Ken Block. Sending out good vibes to all of his loved ones.

 

[MIE1992]

Being in your 50s is way too young for anyone to die. Even though I was never really into his work, it's terrible to hear of his passing.

 

[GTboyz]

What a goddamn shock, it's still early in 2023...

Hopefully we don't lose Renner as well.

 

[Nuschel01]

Such devastating news. Regardless of what one might've thought of his abilities as a racer, it cannot be understated how major of an impact Ken, his videos, brand(s) and all the connections and waves he made in his career have had on car culture as a whole. He most certainly played a significant role in bringing more popularity and awareness to Rally Racing in the US, which is an accomplishment in of itself.

RIP Ken Block. Sending out good vibes to all of his loved ones.

Couldn't have said it better.


Farewell, hero of my childhood

 

[Veinz]

RIP

Sleds are crazy fast now a days, this is so sad to see.

 

[261004]

The legacy he left behind with Audi, Ford, Subaru, NFS, Forza, and Top Gear, alongside his special-bred cars, the Hoonitron, Hoonicorn, Hoonitruck, Escort, RS200, Focus RX, Fiesta WRC, and Impreza WRC as the car that terrified James May through an airfield....

This man's dedicated, and we love him for it.

 

[Grayfox]

Sad day for Gymkhana fans and a horrible way to start the year for his family and friends.

 

[GTboyz]

 

[ICEYOU3]

Wow! RIP

 

[Nielsen]

RIP.

It’s really strange how people like Ken Block, Colin McRae and Michael Schumacher (not dead though) leave the world doing something risky that isn’t as dangerous as motorsports per se.

 

[TumeK5]

What a fantastic way to start 2023...

I suddenly got an urge to buy a pair of DCs and create a tribute livery in GT7.

Rest in peace, Hoonigan.

 

[ICEYOU3]

Just devastated for Lia and the whole family!

 

[05XR8]

RIP.

It’s really strange how people like Ken Block, Colin McRae and Michael Schumacher (not dead though) leave the world doing something risky that isn’t as dangerous as motorsports per se.

Nicky Haden on a bicycle. These racers have all the gear on in ”controlled” environments, but not as much when doing recreational things.

 

[WanganDream]

He was never the fastest driver.
However, in terms of driving to entertain and excite people, there has never been a driver who could match him, nor will there ever be.
We have lost a great icon. RIP.

 

[sw3g005]

HOLY...
Those are not news I expected let alone wished to hear today (and I don't mean it in a good way) - I'm genuinely sad over this in ways I normally wouldn't be with most other celebrities.

Rest in peace, legend. You will be dearly missed.

 

[RedRockValley]

I think Ken Block's influence on rallying, especially in America, is of magnitudes.

What McRae did for Subaru in the United Kingdom, Block did for Subaru in America. Not to mention all the Monster Energy decals people would slap on their cars, it was all because of him and his influence.
He was also a big fan of McRae, so I hope they're both up there ripping up Heaven's gravel stages right now. Rest easy Ken, you will never be forgotten 🙏

 

[Giz WCR-666]

RIP 😢

 

[A_Higher_Place]

Rest in peace, Legend.

 

[RedRockValley]

No words, really...

 

[Nowax]

So sad. He was one of the few drivers I knew since I'm not that into pro driving and their drivers so he really was an idol for me, i'm devastated that he had to pass away so early.

My condolences to his family, RIP.

 

[girabyt3]

Just checked the news and I cannot believe it... I just can't... What you guys said about what he did for rallying/Subaru in america is right, but also how he changed the way people see rallying in general since he made all the moves and tricks we normally see in rallying into a stunt category on its own (gymkhana). A category loved by many... And let's not forget about hoonigan and its influence in car culture in general, I can go into details but we know how car culture is now because of him and hoonigan.

DiRT 2/3 and NFS 2015 will not be the same anymore 😔😔... And now, even if it could have been hard to make it real, GT will now not become part of the game group Ken joined forces with (Forza, NFS, Codemasters/DiRT, CSR2)

R.I.P legend 😔😔

 

[KnightOfRen]

Devastating news. Over the past 20 years, Ken has been a massive influence on car culture and an all around good guy. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Rest in peace, Ken. Hope there's unlimited tires for you to shred in the next life.

 

[261004]

Might as well binge watch them all.

 

[Johnny Caisse]

He was, is and will forever be a legend. What a nightmare. Rest in peace friend.

 

[celso2357]

This one hurts me as much as Schumacher's Accident. Crazy... I was so excited for his 2023 projects. I feel for his wife and kids.

 

[GTxForza]

See you again Ken Block.

 

[Monkdapunk]

That's terrible.... RIP Ken. Snowmobiles are very dangerous. I live in Canada and have lost 4 friends over the years and know of a lot more in just my area.

 

[RedRockValley]

It just doesn’t feel real still, I genuinely thought he would stick around until age got him.

I guess this is how adults felt upon losing McRae in 2007…