Race Across the World has lost a beloved former contestant.
Sam Gardiner—who competed in the BBC reality series’ second season alongside his mother Jo in 2019—has died in a car accident, Greater Manchester Police confirmed. He was 24.
According to a statement shared by police, Sam was traveling alone in a white Volkswagen in Manchester, England, in the evening of May 26 when his car veered off the road, rolling over. Police confirmed the victim was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and shared in a later statement, which also identified Sam as the victim, that he had died in the hospital.
“His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers,” the statement noted. “They have asked for privacy at this terrible time.”
The Greater Manchester Police also shared a statement from Sam’s parents, Jo and Andrew, in which they 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.”
Jo and Andrew also spoke to the experience their son—who worked as a gardener in Scotland but was visiting family in Manchester at the time of his accident—enjoyed on Race Across the World, writing it “opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel” and that he “touched everyone he met on the road.”
“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 continued. “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.”
In addition to sharing Sam had become an integral part of the Race Across the World family in the years since his filming, the spokesperson added, “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.”
Following the news of Sam’s passing, Race Across the World season two winner Emon Choudhury shared a tribute to his friend and former cast mate.
“Sam was pure sunshine in human form,” Emon wrote in his June 1 post. “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.”
He added, “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.”
