from AccuWeather

Pro rally driver, YouTube star Ken Block dies in snowmobile accident

Authorities said the 55-year-old, famous for his Gymkhana series of extreme auto sports videos, was riding on a steep slope in Utah.

By Darryl Coote, UPI

Jan. 2 (UPI) — Pro rally driver Ken Block has died following a snowmobile accident in Utah, authorities said late Monday.

The 55-year-old Park City, Utah, resident was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope in the Mill Hollow area, located east of Salt Lake City, when at about 2 p.m. his vehicle upended and landed on top of him, the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Block was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the incident, it said, adding that the state medical examiner’s office will determine the official cause of death.

Jenson Button, a former Formula One and Super GT Series champion, said via Twitter that he was shocked by news of Block’s death.

“Such a talent that did so much for our sport,” Button said. “He was a true visionary with his own unique style & infectious smile.

“Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man.”

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