Where does this end? It seems that the NASCAR world is facing a streak of bad news since the start of 2023. Be it Ken Block’s snowmobile accident or Robert Pierce’s death, the past couple of weeks have been difficult. And now, another heart-breaking news about NASCAR Whelen Euro Series driver Michael Bleekemolen’s ski accident is troubling the fans.
According to the reports shared by Race Planet, Bleekemolen was injured during a ski accident on the slopes. Currently admitted to an Austrian hospital, the former Formula One driver was rendered unconscious for more than 30 minutes after the incident. The 73-year-old driver had to be airlifted by a helicopter to reach the hospital. He sustained four broken ribs, a broken shoulder, and a puncture in his lung from the impact of his collision on the ski slope.
Sharing the news about the Dutch driver’s unfortunate accident on Twitter, Grand Prix Radio wrote, “Michael Bleekemolen is in hospital in Austria. He is in a lot of pain despite painkillers. Good luck Michael.“ [translated from Dutch by Google]
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Michael Bleekemolen ligt in Oostenrijk in het ziekenhuis. Hij heeft ondanks pijnstillers veel pijn.
Veel sterkte Michael🙌https://t.co/qC3nA2WP6G
— Grand Prix Radio (@grandprixradio) January 21, 2023
Moreover, Euro NASCAR also wished him a speedy recovery.
As we learned today, @mbleekemolen had a ski accident during his winter vacation. The whole NASCAR Whelen Euro Series wishes him a speedy recovery!#EuroNASCAR #NWES #GetWellSoon #NASCAR #Bleekemolen #PureRacing #Racing @RacePlanet pic.twitter.com/3SauTv5CJb
— EuroNASCAR (@EuroNASCAR) January 23, 2023
This was the second such accident in the month, but thankfully, it was not fatal like the one involving Ken Block that happened earlier this month.
NASCAR community mourns the death of Ken Block
Earlier this month, the devastating news of American Rally racer Ken Block’s accident made headlines. The famous driver and YouTuber lost his life as a snowmobile landed on top of him at a steep slope in Wasatch County, Utah.
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Declared dead on the spot, Block was trying to drive through the steep slope in Utah when the incident occurred. According to the details shared by the local sheriff’s office, Block was alone at the time of the accident. As reported by Autosport, the statement released by the sheriff’s office read, “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.”
“Mr. Block was riding with a group but was alone when the accident occurred. The State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: “Condolences to His Family”: NASCAR Community Continues to Show Support After Tragic Death of Ken Block; Ross Chastain, Kurt Busch, Corey LaJoie and Others React
Apart from his driving career and Gymkhana blogging series on YouTube, Block was the cofounder of DC shoes and an automotive gear and apparel company Hoonigan Industries. He is survived by his wife Lucy, a rally racer herself, and three children.