• News
  • Life
  • TV & Film
  • Beauty
  • Style
  • Home
  • News
    • Celebrity
    • Entertainment
    • Politics
    • Royal Family
  • Life
    • Animals
    • Food & Drink
    • Women's Health
    • Mental Health
    • Sex & Relationships
    • Travel
    • Real Life
  • TV & Film
    • True Crime
    • Documentaries
    • Netflix
    • BBC
    • ITV
    • Tyla Recommends
  • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Make-up
    • Skincare
  • Style
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
Submit Your Content
Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner dies aged 24

Home> News

Updated 10:52 2 Jun 2025 GMT+1Published 10:51 2 Jun 2025 GMT+1

Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner dies aged 24

Sam's family has released a touching statement following his tragic passing

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle

Race Across The World contestant, Sam Gardiner, has tragically died aged just 24 years old, and his family have since released a touching statement.

Sam appeared on the 2019 series of the hit BBC show with his mum, Jo, where they travelled from Mexico to Argentina.

Sam had been driving on the A34 near Manchester last Monday night (26 May) when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side, Greater Manchester Police said.

Advert

He was the only person in the vehicle and was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries on Thursday (29 May), his family confirmed in a recent statement (via the BBC).

Sam's mother, Jo, and his father, Andrew, said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident.

Race Across The World contestant, Sam Gardiner, has sadly passed away aged 24 (BBC)
Race Across The World contestant, Sam Gardiner, has sadly passed away aged 24 (BBC)

"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."

Advert

The pair added that taking part in Race Across The World '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." the statement continued.

"Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts.

"He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts.

Advert

"We will miss him endlessly, but we'll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade."

Sam's parents said Race Across The World 'opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel' (Instagram/@‌sam_gardiner_)
Sam's parents said Race Across The World 'opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel' (Instagram/@‌sam_gardiner_)

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said in a press release that Sam's family were being 'supported by specially trained officers' and had 'asked for privacy at this terrible time'.

They added: "We’d like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and have sent their best wishes to Sam and his family."

Advert

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the makers of Race Across The World 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.

"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."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity, UK News, BBC, Reality TV

Rhiannon Ingle
Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Senior Journalist at Tyla, specialising in TV, film, travel, and culture. A graduate of the University of Manchester with a degree in English Literature, she honed her editorial skills as the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the UK’s largest student newspaper. With a keen eye for storytelling, Rhiannon brings fresh perspectives to her writing, blending critical insight with an engaging style. Her work captures the intersection of entertainment and real-world experiences.

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

a day ago
  • a day ago

    Controversial billionaire says at least 106 of his children will inherit his $17,000,000,000

    Telegram CEO Pavel Durov also revealed the very strict terms and conditions when it comes to dishing out his colossal fortune

    News
  • a day ago

    Doctor reveals how to protect yourself against rabies if you’re going abroad this summer

    This Morning's Dr Zoe Williams explained exactly what to do if you get bitten or scratched by an animal in a country where rabies is common

    News
  • a day ago

    Plane passengers who have a suitcase in one of these colours issued unexpected warning

    Ryanair believes their customers should avoid three colours in particular

    News
  • a day ago

    Donald Trump's new passport policy targeting trans people is blocked by US judge

    Boston judge Julia Kobick claimed the potential policy was unconstitutional

    News
  • TV personality Kim Woodburn has died aged 83
  • The X Factor issues official statement after One Direction star Liam Payne dies aged 31
  • RuPaul speaks out after drag queen The Vivienne dies aged 32
  • ‘Balloon boy’ family break silence for first time in 16 years since controversial hoax sparked fury across America