Credit: BBC
Sam Gardiner Has Died Aged 24
Sam Gardiner has tragically died aged just 24.
Gardiner was a former contestant on Race Across the World. He starred alongside his mother, Jo, as they traveled across South America for the second series of the BBC show, which aired in 2020.
They couldn’t compete in the final part after running out of money. Still, the landscape gardener described it as a ‘life-changing’ experience.
When filming for the series, he said: “Mum and I are very close – we often think or say the same things.
“She has traveled a lot in her life, so I think it would be fun to do it with her.”
Tributes are now pouring in on social media following the shock news of Gardiner’s death.
One person says: “Absolutely heartbreaking – Sam’s light touched so many lives.”
Another comments: “Very sad news. So young, taken too soon.”
“Absolutely tragic,” shares a third. “Thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Somebody else adds: “One of the best contestants on the show, so sad. RIP.”
In a statement issued by a family member, Gardiner’s parents, Jo and Andrew, said they were ‘devastated.’
“Sam left us far too soon, and while 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 commented.
They added that the Race Across the World experience ‘opened Sam’s eyes to the world of adventure.’
Gardiner’s uncle, Jonny Gray, told the BBC: “What you saw was what you got. Sam loved gardening, animals, and doing physical activity.”
A statement from a Race Across the World spokesperson reads: “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 step mum Justine; his family and friends.”
Gardiner was driving on the A34 near Manchester, U.K., on the night of May 26 when his car left the road and rolled, before landing on its side, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says.
The only person in the vehicle was Gardiner, who was taken to the hospital, where he died of his injuries on May 29, his family said in a recent statement.
A GMP spokesperson states: “Emergency services attended the scene after a vehicle was reported to have left the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side.”
They added that no other vehicles were involved.
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