Race Across The World contestants 'deeply saddened' by Sam Gardiner's death

Yahoo

2 days ago

Race Across the World winners and contestants have paid tribute to Sam Gardiner who died in a car crash at 24 years old.
The car accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle on Monday and Gardiner died from his injuries days later on Thursday, Greater Manchester Police said.
Gardiner took part in series two of the BBC travel show, that aired in March 2020, alongside his mum Jo. In the 2019 series, the contestants were tasked with travelling from Mexico City to the southernmost city in the world Ushuaia in Argentina.
The mother and son were unable to compete in the final leg of the journey as they ran out of money but at the time Sam described the seven-week experience as "life-changing".
Lovely messages have been shared in memory of the Race Across the World contestant from others who have taken part in the show from series two and beyond.
Race Across the World series two winner Emon Choudhury — who took part in the show with his nephew Jamiul — led the tributes with his kind words. He wrote on social media: "Such heart breaking news."
Choudhury posted photographs of them together on Instagram and wrote a message "in loving memory of Sam".
His message read: "I'm deeply saddened to share that my dear friend Sam has passed away. Many of you will remember him from Race Across the World—where he and Jo showed us what it truly means to live fully, love fiercely, and embrace every moment with an open heart.
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A post shared by Emon Choudhury (@emonchoudhury)
"Sam was pure sunshine in human form. his kindness was a beacon for anyone lucky enough to cross his path. He made us feel seen, supported, and braver than we ever thought possible. With every warm smile and encouraging word, he reminded us that life's greatest treasures are the connections we make and the love we share.
"Though his journey here ended far too soon, Sam's generous spirit will keep guiding us. I find comfort knowing that his light lives on in the laughter we still carry, the dreams he inspired, and the countless ways he taught me that he was always stronger than me in every way. His love for Cheetos and the many stories we all have is something I will cherish and always remember. My journey on @raceacrosstheworld would have never been the same with out him. Every time I have a subway I'll always remember you.
"Rest easy, Sam. You'll be forever missed, and never forgotten."
Also from series two, contestant Lizzie Slater shared on Instagram: "Love you forever Sam." On her Instagram stories, she added: "Will always be a huge part of our race across the world family."
Additionally series two contestant Jen simply wrote "love you" over a collage of pictures from their time on Race Across the World.
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A post shared by Jenna Lambra-Stokes (@jennalambrastokes)
After the news broke, the team at Race Across the World shared a statement reflecting on how viewers at home fell in love with Sam when watching series two.
A spokesperson for Race Across the World wrote on Instagram: "We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam, who died this week following a car accident. 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."
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A post shared by Race Across The World (@raceacrosstheworld)
Beneath the post, many Race Across the World contestants shared their condolences.
Among the comments, series four winner Alfie Watts wrote: "All my love to the family. What awful news."
Brian and Melvyn from the 2025 series commented: "Very sorry to hear this. Our thoughts are with Sam's family." Sioned, also from the 2025 series, simply shared a heart.
Series three winners Tricia and Cathie posted: "We are devastated for Jo and her family. Thinking of them all."
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A post shared by Sam Gardiner (@sam_gardiner_)
News broke when Sam's parents paid tribute to their "loyal, funny and fiercely protective" son.
In a statement, Mrs Gardiner and his father 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."