Race Across The World star's tearful chat with mum resurfaces after tragic death

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Fans of Race Across The World have been shocked and saddened to learn of the death of 2020 contestant Sam Gardiner - with footage of a touching chat he had with his mum on the show resurfacing
Footage of Race Across The World star Sam Gardiner sharing an emotional heart-to-heart with his mum on the show has resurfaced in light of his tragic death. The reality star died aged just 24 following a car crash in Manchester last week, with news of his death emerging on Sunday.
Sam competed on the BBC's Race Across The World in 2020. He competed alongside his mother, Jo, as they made their way from Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City to Ushuaia in Argentina. During their journey, the mother and son noted how the experience had brought them closer.
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Describing the experience as "life-changing", Sam told his mother: "How many 19-year-olds can say they've done this and travelled with their mum?"
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Jo replied: "I think just you really. We've got long journeys, you're trying to balance it with enjoying yourself, but also have a budget, there's bound to be stresses. But I think our relationship is still in tact even if you find me slightly more irritating that you used to."
Jo added: "This has been really great fun." Fans of the BBC show and the two contestants have been shocked and saddened to learn of Sam's sudden passing.
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Devastated dad Andrew Gardiner broke the news of Sam's death in a statement that was shared on Sunday. He wrote: "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."
Noting that his son was genuine during his time on the BBC show, Andrew added: "Race Across The World 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.
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"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 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."