Carlos Sainz expresses his sadness at death of rally driver Ken Block. Carlos his sadness at death of rally driver Ken Block.

American motorsport legend and YouTube star Ken Block has died in a snowmobile accident in Utah at the age of 55. A competitive rally driver in series such as Rally America and Global Rallycross, he earned wide renown later in life for his “Gymkhana” video series on YouTube.

Ken Block lost his life at the age of 55 after the snowmobile he had been riding on up a steep slope upended and landed on him. The Sheriff’s Office of Utah, where the fatal accident occurred, confirmed that the motorsport legend Ken Block was “pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.”

Ken Block made 24 appearances in the World Rally Championship and won prolifically in Rally America and the Global RallyCross Championship. He won the 2005 Rally America Rookie of the Year award at the end of his first season of competition. He also won three silver and two bronze X Games medals in his career. Ken Block was also a well known online figure having appeared on programmes such as the BBC’s Top Gear and was one of the main characters in the Colin McRae DiRT 2 video game.

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz expresses his sadness at death of the rally driver with a post on social media: “Rest in peace Ken Block a true legend of the sport, all my thoughts with his family and friends!” – the Ferrari man posted on Twitter.

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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem also expressed his shock with a post on Instagram: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block. An inspiration for us all and a true gentleman of our sport. The FIA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Ken Block.”

Former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button posted: “In shock at the passing of Ken Block. Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style and infectious smile. Our sport lost one of the best today but more importantly a great man. Sending love and hugs to the Block family.”