Sam Gardiner Dead - 'Race Across the World' Contestant Dies at 24
Sam Gardiner has sadly passed away.
Th Race Across the World contestant died at the age of 24 in a car accident, police confirmed.
Sam competed in the BBC reality series’ second season alongside his mother Jo.
Greater Manchester Police shared a statement, revealing Sam was traveling alone in a white Volkswagen in Manchester, England on the evening of May 26 when his car veered off the road, rolling over, via E! Online.
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Police confirmed the victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and shared in a later statement that he had died in the hospital.
“His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers,” the statement reads. “They have asked for privacy at this terrible time.”
Sam’s parents wrote their son was “adored by his family.”
“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 wrote. “As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective.”
He also worked as a gardener in Scotland but was visiting family in Manchester at the time of his accident.
“Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went,” his parents concluded.
“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 spokesperson for Race Across the World confirmed in a statement shared by the BBC there will be a private funeral for friends and family.
“We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam,” the 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.”
Race Across the World winner Emon Choudhury shared a tribute, writing: “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.”
Our thoughts are with Sam‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.