The Internet Mourned The Death Of 'Gymkhana' Star Ken Block, Following His Fatal But Ironic Crash

Kenneth Paul Block, known professionally as Ken Block, was an American professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division, formerly known as the Monster World Rally Team, and one of the co-founders of DC Shoes.

But on the internet, particularly on YouTube, he was best known as a racing driver who frequently brought his Hoonicorn Ford Mustang to Hoonigan's YouTube channel, and following that, accompanying his daughter there.

More than that, he popularized the term "gymkhana," which is a method of timed competition driving similar to autocross, but in a much wider place. Often, Block did his gymkhanas in enclosed public places and venues.

As a professional rally driver, Block faced high-adrenaline situations for a living, and much more than just a hobby.

But ironically, the Hoonigan co-founder died in a situation that shouldn't be as dangerous.

Block died during a snowmobile accident, Hoonigan and local authorities confirmed.

Block has made many gymkhana videos that he uploaded to YouTube.

Many of the videos show him speeding his vehicle through obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. Gymkhana requires the driver to first memorize a predetermined "track," and then maneuver through it by performing different driving techniques, which include, and not limited to: drifting, 180° spins and 360° spins, parking boxes, figure 8s, and other advanced driving skills.

The goal of gymkhana is to achieve the fastest time possible with a given car.

The name is "gymkhana" is loaned from the equestrian discipline of gymkhana.

The motorsport itself is known as "motorkhana" in Australia and New Zealand, and as "Autotesting" in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

While gymkhana has a long history, and can be traced back to the era where people were still riding horses, it was Ken Block who helped popularized the sport through the internet and social media platforms.

Block has made 10 gymkhana videos, with each of the video garnering millions of views on YouTube.

Many of the videos have been reuploaded and re-edited by other content creators for different viewing experiences.

Block also made spin-offs, like "climbkhana" using a Ford Mustang Hoonicorn, and "electrikhana" using Audi S1 Hoonitron.

Block was a rally driver, before making a name for himself through the Hoonigan brand and his gymkhana videos.

According to the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office in Utah, who confirmed Block's death in a statement published on Facebook, the professional driver was riding on a steep slope in the Mill Hollow area outside Woodland, Utah at around 2:00 p.m..

The accident happened when the snowmobile he was driving "upended, landing on top of him," police said.

Block was riding with a group, but was alone at the time of the incident.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's worth noting that Block was indeed familiar with snowmobile driving because he is also known to have spent his time participating in a variety of winter sports, including snowmobiling, snowboarding, and driving UTVs.

In fact, Hoonigan Racing Garage stated that Block owned a 2018 Ski-Doo Freeride 154, which is already customized with uprated turbos, among other upgrades, all for his driving style.

Days before his passing, Block shared some photos to Twitter, showing how his ranch in Utah was "freshly coated with snow" in the days he was there.

"It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today," a statement from Hoonigan said. "Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and a husband."

Following his death, many people sent their condolences to social media platforms. His name was a trending hashtag on Twitter soon after his passing.

Block, a prolific figure in the car community and the internet, was 55 years old.

Block is survived by his wife, Lucy, and three children.

The last tweet he posted, was promoting his 16-year-old daughter, who certainly follows her father's footstep in becoming a petrolhead.