Ken Block’s tragic passing in early January shook the automotive and motorsport worlds to their core and after a couple of weeks of radio silence, the Hoonigan team has spoken about his death on YouTube for the first time.

In the clip, director Brian Scotto notes that the Hoonigan team has spent the last couple of weeks processing Block’s death, stating that this is the reason why they have yet to produce any new content for their social media channels.

Scotto also uses this video to announce the establishment of The 43 Institute that will aim to carry on Ken Block’s legacy of “creating paths of opportunity for the exceptionally driven who may lack the proper support system for growth and success.” The 43 Institute will also aim to “open the door of opportunity to the network of creatives, business leaders, marketing experts, top level athletes, and artists that Ken has built in his decades-long career; providing grants and support to make dreams happen.”

Read: WRC Retires Ken Block’s 43 For The 2023 Racing Season

A tribute video celebrating the life of the 55-year-old automotive icon has also been created. Scotto reveals that the video was originally produced for a private celebration of Block’s life recently held in Park City, Utah but says that the Hoonigan team decided that it should also be shared to his millions of fans around the world.

Ken Block was killed on January 2 while on holiday with his family after being crushed by his snowmobile. The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office in Utah revealed that Block was driving a snowmobile on a steep slope when it upended and landed on top of him. He was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.

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Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred.

Hoonigan Issues Update After Ken Block’s Death, Releases Moving Tribute Video