Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has tragically died aged 24 after his VW Golf R estate came off the road, with his parents paying an emotional tribute to him

Former Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has died(Image: BBC)

Fans of Race Across the World have joined the family and friends of the show’s star Sam Gardiner in mourning his sudden death.

The 24-year-old former contestant of the BBC programme died following a car crash in Manchester last week. It was announced on Sunday that a a ‘terrible accident’ had cost the global adventurer his life as tributes begin to pour, with those who watched his journey left stunned by the news.

Sam had been driving on the A34 in Manchester on Bank Holiday Monday when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side. He had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week.

Driving his VW Golf R estate, the landscape gardener suffered fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at hospital. Sam’s parents said he was “adored by his family” and described him as “loyal, funny and fiercely protective”. They added his time on the BBC show “opened Sam’s eyes to the wonder of adventure”.

The TV star died on Monday May 26

His family said he ‘left us far too soon’(Image: PA)

His parents continued: “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 his sad death, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “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. They have asked for privacy at this terrible time.

“We’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and have sent their best wishes to Sam and his family.”

Sam and mum Jo were unable to compete in the final leg of the race after they ran out of money. However, Sam had described his time on Race Across the World as a “life-changing” experience. Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson offered the their deepest condolences

“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,” they said. “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 step mum Justine; his family and friends.”