Race Across The World Contestant Sam Gardiner Has Died, Aged 24

Tributes are being paid following the death of former Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner at the age of 24.

On Monday night (26 May), Sam was involved in a car accident while driving alone on the A34, near Manchester.

He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he died from his injuries three days later.

In a statement, his mother, Jo – with whom he competed on the second season of the BBC reality show, which aired in 2020 – 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.”

They continued: “Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective.”

Celebrating how Race Across The World “opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel”, the statement added: “He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road.

“Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts.

“He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland. 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.”

A Race Across The World rep also said in a statement: “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.

“We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his stepmum Justine; his family and friends.”

Sam and his mother Jo competed on the second run of Race Across The World, which took participants from Mexico City to Ushuaia, Argentina.

The pair finished in fourth place overall, after having to drop out during the penultimate leg after running out of money.