In Loving Memory – Ken Block
It is with a heavy heart that I break the news of Ken Block’s death. Some of you may know him from his Hoonigan episodes, some may know him from his stunt videos but however you know him, the pain shared in the automotive world is immaculate.
Ken Block died January 2, 2023 from a snowmobile accident. The Wasatch County Sheriff Office in Utah confirmed Block’s death with a statement that read in part, “On January 2, 2023 at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area…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.”
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Born on November 21, 1967, in the United States, Kenneth Paul Block developed his adventurous interest in extreme activities at an early age. He enjoyed skateboarding and dirt bike riding and growing up in California helped him to really experience these two to the fullest.
As a kid, Ken aspired to be an architect and loved to draw, which would come in handy for him years later down the road when he was designing and transforming ordinary everyday streets into his stunt playground.
It didn’t take too long after for him to become a well-known rally driver and he joined on with the Hoonigan Racing Division in 2005. His skill and car control became very obvious very quickly and he even earned the title ‘Rookie of the Year’ that season in the Rally America Championship. Since then, Block has continued to race in this series, gaining numerous wins along the way and even plenty of podium appearances.
In January 2010, Ken formed the Monster World Rally Team and signed with Ford to pursue his dreams of racing in the World Rally Racing Championship. It was here that he became one of only four Americans to ever score points in the WRC. Signing with Ford was most likely one of the best decisions Block made.
Did You Know: More Americans have landed on the moon than scored points in the WRC?
Since the start of his career, Ken has also received 5 X Games medals including the most recent edition, taking silver at the Global X Games Barcelona RallyCross in 2013. Ken was seen as a role model for many, with the daring stunts he performed and thought of to his influence on the sport of rally within the United States. His branding and marketing decisions combined with his talents and skills behind the wheel were the inspiration behind the Gymkhana series – which he received global fame for.
There were 9 videos part of the series (plus the additional edits) and this racked up 500 million views on the franchise. Gymkhana was what helped put Ken in front of eyes around the world. The franchise also accumulated several awards, even making the top 10 viral video charts by Ad Age, as well as nabbing the One Show Interactive Gold Pencil Award in the category of Online Films & Video/Long Form – Single, for excellence in an advertising campaign.
Net Worth 2023
Ken Block’s net worth has been estimated to be around $200 million. He had an extensive car collection and owned at least two large properties – his main home in Park City, Utah and a house in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Majority of the credit for his wealth goes to his rallying career and the 2 companies he co-owned, DC Shoes and motor apparel brand Hoonigan Industries.
Personal Life
Ken Block got married to Lucy Block on July 10, 2004. They dated for several years before getting married. Lucy Block is a rally racer as well, and the two have raced alongside one another in the past. The couple have 3 children and Ken did all he could to protect the privacy of his family.
Final Thoughts
Thoughts and prayers have been pouring in and although we may have lost a legend, his achievements and legacy will live on forever. In loving memory of Ken Block. #LongLiveKenBlock #43
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