The family of Sam Gardiner, who competed in BBC’s Race Across the World, has shared an update in tribute to him after he died in a car crash.
Gardiner, 24, appeared in series 2 of the global travel competition alongside his mother, Jo.
Their series aired in March 2020 and saw the mother-son duo enjoy adventures across Mexico and Argentina.
Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled before landing on its side last week.
The accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, last Monday night, and he died on Thursday from his injuries, his family has confirmed.
Gardiner, who was a landscape gardener, had been working on an isolated estate on the west coast of Scotland and was home in Manchester for a family gathering.
In a statement, his parents, Jo and 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.
‘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.’
Now, Gardiner’s loved ones have said they are ‘overwhelmed’ by the support they’ve received.
A JustGiving page launched in his memory, in aid of National FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), has also so far raised more than £10,000.
His mum said: ‘We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support on social media and in comments to press reporting.
‘We would like to thank the BBC, Studio Lambert, and everyone at Race Across The World production, fellow contestants, and fans of the show for all their support at this terrible time. It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people.
‘I have been particularly moved by all the messages that Sam was an inspiration to many who have been impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
‘We adopted Sam, and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of season two will recall, this was a big challenge both for Sam and for us as his parents.
‘National FASD helped us on that journey. If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood.’
Following the TV star’s death, a spokesperson for the makers of Race Across the World paid tribute.
They said: ‘We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam.
‘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 stepmum, Justine; his family and friends.’
Confirming the tragic events, Greater Manchester Police said last week: ‘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.
‘The driver, a 24-year-old man, has been named as Sam Gardiner.
‘His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
‘Emergency services attended the scene after a vehicle was reported to have left the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side.’
After the news broke on social media, RATW fans also expressed their condolences for Gardiner’s family, describing what happened as ‘so sad’.
‘Absolutely heartbreaking! A wonderful mother and son duo…. Thinking of Jo right now. Rest easy Sam’, wrote @RachelW86529886 on X.
‘I loved watching his and Jo’s race and their story and relationship develop as the series progressed. Thinking of Jo and the rest of Sam’s family’, added @nickh1000.
‘Terrible news, I thought they were a great pairing in the series’, said @DavideMahomes.
During their time on the show, Gardiner and his mum failed to complete their challenge of travelling across South America quicker than their fellow competitors, without the aid of a phone and with limited cash, which they eventually ran out of.
Nevertheless, they described it all as a ‘life-changing’ experience.
‘Mum and I are very close. We often think or say the same things,’ Gardiner told cameras at the time.
‘She has travelled a lot in her life, so I think it would be fun to do it with her.’
This article was first published on June 1, 2025.
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