Friends star Matt LeBlanc has paid a heartbreaking tribute to rally car driver Ken Block, who tragically died in a snowmobile accident on Monday (January 2).
The 55-year-old sports star was reportedly riding a snowmobile up a steep slope in Wasatch County, Utah, when the vehicle upended, landing on top of him, the BBC detailed.
Block was well-known for appearing as a rally driver in competitions such as Rally America and Global Rallycross, and later on earned several million YouTube subscribers for his series Gymkhana, which saw him performing daring racing feats.
One of the clothing companies Block founded, Hoonigan Industries, wrote on their Instagram page: "It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today. Ken was a visionary, a pioneer, and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed."
Friends star LeBlanc, also 55, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Block, posting a selfie of the pair inside a racing car to his 7.7 million followers.
"So saddened by the loss of Ken Block," LeBlanc wrote, "A true talent and friend taken far too soon. You will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting you my friend. My condolences to your family."
A statement from the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office (via TopGear) said: "On January 2 2023 at approximately 2:00 PM, the Wasatch County 911 Center received a call reporting a snowmobile accident in the Mill Hollow area. Search and Rescue, along with law enforcement from Wasatch County Sheriff's Office, Utah State Parks, and the US Forest Service responded."
"The driver, Kenneth Block, 55-year-old male out of Park City, Utah, was riding a snowmobile on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended, landing on top of him. He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident," the statement continued.
Block's friend Vaughn Gittin Jr. paid tribute to the late sports hero, writing: "I will forever cherish the almost 20 years of friendship and fun all over the world we shared enjoying our passions. I will forever be grateful for the constant inspiration, opportunity,ies and advice that you offered.
"Thank you for what you brought to the world that created so many smiles and inspired masses all while being a badass Dad. Love and respect to the entire Block family."
Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Ken Block's family, friends, colleagues, and fans at this difficult time.