Former Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has died aged 24 following a car crash in Manchester on Monday night as the vehicle left the road and rolled on its side

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner has died aged 24. The former BBC show contestant died following a car crash in Manchester last week as his parents have paid an emotional tribute.

He had been driving on the A34 on Monday 26 May when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side, Greater Manchester Police said. Sam had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week, his uncle has said.

The landscape gardener appeared on the BBC travel show alongside his mum Jo. They trekked across South America in the second series of Race Across the World that aired in 2020. In a statement, Sam’s parents Jo and Andrew said they were “devastated”.

Sam competed on the BBC alongside his mum Jo, who has issued an emotional statement
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. Sam left us far too soon, and while 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,” they said.

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”.

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”.

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.

Sam’s uncle Jonny Dunlop has spoke out about the young gardener as he told the BBC: “What you saw was what you got. Sam loved gardening, animals and doing physical activity.”

Sam said Race Across the World was a ‘life changing experience’ for him
He said his sister Jo and Sam had a “special relationship” and were an “enormous hit on the show”. “The public really loved them,” he said.

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.”

In a statement at the time, police said: “Emergency services attended the scene and the driver, 24-year-old man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious and life-threatening condition.”

They added: “Initial enquiries suggest that the car, a white VW Golf R estate, was travelling north on the A34 in Gatley and officers believe that the vehicle went off the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side.”

Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson said: “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 step mum Justine; his family and friends.”