Cliff Notes – Race Across the World star dies in car crash aged 24
- Sam Gardiner, 24, who appeared in BBC’s Race Across the World alongside his mother, tragically died following a car crash on the A34 in Gatley.
- His family expressed their devastation, highlighting his adventurous spirit and the joy he brought to their lives, while the BBC extended condolences to his loved ones.
Race Across the World star dies in car crash aged 24
Sam Gardiner, who appeared in series 2 of Race Across the World, has died (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert)
The family of Sam Gardiner, who competed in BBC’s Race Across the World, has paid tribute to him after he died in a car crash.
Gardiner, 24, appeared in series 2 of the global travel competition alongside his mother, Jo.
Their series aired in March 2020 and saw the mother-son duo enjoy adventures across Mexico and Argentina.
Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled before landing on its side.
The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on Monday night, and he died on Thursday from his injuries, his family has confirmed.
Gardiner, who was a landscape gardener, had been working on an isolated estate on the west coast of Scotland and was home in Manchester for a family gathering.
Gardiner, 24, appeared on the travel competition in 2020 alongside his mother, Jo (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert)
In a statement, his parents, Jo and Andrew, said: ‘We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident.
‘Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective.
‘He did Race Across the World in 2019, which opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel. He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead, and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland.
‘Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade.’
Following the TV star’s death, a spokesperson for the makers of Race Across the World also paid tribute.
Gardiner’s car came off the road and landed on its side (Picture: Greater Manchester Police)
They said: ‘We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam.
‘Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo.
‘Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina, making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.
‘Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family, and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his stepmum, Justine; his family and friends.’
A spokesperson from the BBC said they were ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the star’s death (Picture: BBC/Studio Lambert)
Confirming the tragic events, Greater Manchester Police said this week: ‘We sadly must confirm that the driver of a white VW Golf R estate involved in a single-vehicle collision on Monday, 26 May, on the A34 in Gatley has since passed away from his injuries.
‘The driver, a 24-year-old man, has been named as Sam Gardiner.
‘His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
‘Emergency services attended the scene after a vehicle was reported to have left the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side.’
This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
