Race Across the World fans have shared how moved they were after last night’s episode memorialised the late Sam Gardiner.
Gardiner, 24,died after a car crash on the A34 in Gatley, Greater Manchester, on Monday, May 26 2025.
The landscape gardener appeared on series 2 of the show, where he travelled across Mexico and Argentina with his mother, Jo.
Ultimately, the pair placed fourth in the race after being forced to drop out when they exhausted their travel budget.
At the end of last night’s episode, the first to air since the former contestant’s death, the programme paid tribute to him with a memorial card shown after the credits had rolled.
The card showed Sam in his Race Across The World gear and a caption that read ‘In loving memory of Sam Gardiner. 2000-2025.’
Following the tribute, fans flocked to social media to share their feelings.
@traceywalker82 wrote on X, ‘Lovely tribute to Sam at the end.’
@kevwgs added, ‘Rest in peace to Sam Gardiner, who took part in series 2 with his Mum, Jo, back in 2020.’
Meanwhile, on the Race Across The World section of Reddit, miss-mercatale wrote, ‘Poignant moment with the tribute at the end to Sam.’ Plenty of other fans shared crying and sad emoji faces.
Greater Manchester police confirmed Gardiner’s car was involved in a ‘single vehicle collision’ which resulted in his car leaving the road and rolling over before landing on its side.
Emergency services attended the scene where it was discovered Sam had suffered serious head injuries and he was taken to hospital for treatment.
Sadly, Sam later died of his injuries on May 29.
After his son’s death, Sam’s father, Andrew, paid tribute to his son in a statement.
‘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.’
Race Across The World fans were devastated by the news when it broke, with many offering the Gardiner family their condolences.
‘Absolutely heartbreaking! A wonderful mother and son duo…. Thinking of Jo right now. Rest easy Sam,’ wrote @RachelW86529886 on X.
@DavideMahomes added, ‘Terrible news, I thought they were a great pairing in the series’.
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’, @nickh1000 wrote.
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