The entire motorsport community was sent into mourning on Tuesday, after it was revealed that rally legend and social media superstar Ken Block had tragically died, aged 55.
It was announced that Block’s tragic death was as a result of his snowmobile upending up a steep slope, before landing on top of him, with the Sheriff’s Office of Utah declaring that the rally icon was “pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.”
When the news broke of the loss of Block, social media rapidly filled with thousands of messages of condolence to the American’s family, with the 55-year-old having been an inspiration to people of all ages across the globe.
From the world of Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton shared his shock at the loss of his “dear friend”, who was undoubtedly and cruelly taken “too soon”.
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“Today I received the news over the loss of a dear friend.” Hamilton stated on his social media channels.
“I’m devastated to hear of Ken Block’s passing. He was such an amazing person, always lived life to the fullest. I remember our first time working together and how positive he was. So much talent behind the wheel.
“Years ago we had an amazing time heli skiing and snowboarding in Canada. We held so much respect for one another. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers go to his beautiful family. Gone too soon. Rest in peace Ken.”
2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button also posted a message of his own, with the Brit hailing Block as a “true visionary” with an “infectious smile”.
“In shock at the passing of Ken Block,” Button posted on social media.
“Such a talent that did so much for our sport. He was a true visionary with his own unique style and infectious smile.
A “true visionary” Block categorically was, with the American having been one of the first drivers to really understand the social media landscape, something that saw his YouTube channel amass two million subscribers.
His channel is, of course, very much rally-orientated, with Block having won the Global Rallycross Championship and Rally America.
He is also a five-time X-Games medallist, whilst he has also competed 24 times in the World Rally Championship.
He was a regular guest at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and has produced some of the craziest Gymkhana runs ever seen.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem added how “deeply saddened” he was to hear about the passing of Block, who he hails as a ‘true inspiration”.
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“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Ken Block,” Ben Sulayem said on social media.
“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.”