Race Across the World star dies aged 24 in tragic car crash

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Sam Gardiner, who appeared in the second series of the BBC show alongside his mum Jo, was involved in a single-vehicle collision in Manchester last week
Former BBC star Sam Gardiner, known for his appearance on Race Across the World, has tragically died following a car crash in Manchester. The 24 year old was involved in a devastating road accident last week when his vehicle dramatically careened off the A34 on Monday, 26 May, rolling and ending up on its side, confirmed Greater Manchester Police.
The odds of such an event happening to someone with experience navigating global adventures are slim, but the tragedy nevertheless struck the young man who journeyed with his mum Jo on the widely watched BBC programme. In a poignant statement released by his bereft parents Jo and Andrew, they conveyed their overwhelming grief, expressing that they were "devastated" over the loss of their "special" son.
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Their heartfelt words described how: "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."
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The tender tribute painted a vivid picture of a bright spirit taken prematurely, saying: "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".
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After fighting courageously, Sam succumbed to his injuries, as a spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Police somberly reported: "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.", reports the Express.
"The driver, a 24 year old man, has been identified as Sam Gardiner. His family have been notified and are receiving support from specially trained officers. They have requested privacy during this dreadful time. We'd like to express our gratitude to everyone who shared our appeal and sent their best wishes to Sam and his family."
At the time following the accident, the police stated: "Emergency services attended the scene and the driver, a 24 year old man, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, sustained serious head injuries and was transported to hospital where he remains in a critical and life-threatening condition."
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Since the tragic news was reported, a spokesperson for Race Across the World said: "Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how valuable and transformative the journey 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."
The landscape gardener featured alongside his mother Jo in the second series of the BBC show, which was broadcast in 2020, journeying across South America.
They had to bow out during the last stretch of the race due to a cash shortage, yet both mum and son have called the adventure "life-changing."