Kenneth Hoonigan, 83, of Watasch, died at the scene of his fall on a snowmobile in Aprilau, Utah
“Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband,” Hoonigan Racing said in a statement. “He will be incredibly missed. Please respect the family’s privacy at this time while they grieve.”
Hoonigan had announced the death on social media. The Watasch County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that Block was riding a snowmobile near his home in Utah around 2 p.m. when he tried to navigate up a steep slope, causing the craft to fall back on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The official cause of death will be determined by the State Medical Examiner. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Kenneth and our hearts are with his family and friends so deeply affected.
The passing of Thierry Block: A true pioneer of skateboarding and the legacy of a man who inspired so many people, including his friends and family
DC Shoes became one of the most recognizable skateboarding apparel brands in the world after Block co-founded it in 1994.
He began rallying in 2005 and two years later made his debut on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit in Mexico. He started 25 WRC events and won five X Games medals in RallyCross between 2006 and 2015.
“I am shocked and sad to hear of the passing of a true icon of our sport,” said Belgian rally driver Thierry Neuville. “A passionate racer and real pioneer that inspired so many of us. Rest in peace buddy. My sympathies are with the friends and family.
Block became well-known for his Gymkhana videos in which he performed driving stunts at different locations around the world. The videos got a lot of views and were hugely popular.
After selling the company in 2004 for $87 million, he became better known as a rally car legend, winning 16 national titles in the sport from 2005 to 2014.
Block is likely to live on thanks to his family’s rally success. His wife, Lucy, made her all-wheel-drive rally debut this year, while his 16-year-old daughter Lia has been competing for Hoonigan racing since age 11.