TRAGIC DEATH
Race Across The World contestant dies aged 24 in car crash as family pay emotional tribute to star
Tributes have poured in for the 'joyful' and 'funny' star
A FORMER Race Across The World contestant has died following a tragic car crash.
Sam Gardiner, 24, had been driving on the A34 near Manchester on Monday night when his car suddenly left the road, rolling before it eventually landed on its side, Greater Manchester Police said.
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The contestant, who featured in the BBC show's second series in 2020 alongside his mum Jo, was the only person in the vehicle, his family said in a statement.
In an emotional tribute, the contestant's dad 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."
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Speaking on Sam's time on the popular BBC show, Andrew added: "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.
"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.
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"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."
The landscape gardener and his mum traversed South America in their appearance on Race Across The World.
While they were unable to compete in the final leg, as they ran out of money, Sam described the experience as "life-changing".
A spokesperson for the makers of Race Across The World 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 step mum Justine; his family and friends."
Sam had recently been working on the west coast of Scotland as a landscape gardener before making the journey down to Stockport, Greater Manchester.
He had travelled south for a family birthday celebration earlier this week, according to his uncle.
In light of the tragedy, a poignant clip of the landscape gardener and his mum has resurfaced.
"How many 19-year-old's can say they've done this and travelled with their mum," said Sam as they looked out into a sunset.
Jo replied: "I think just you really. We've got long journeys, you're trying to balance it with enjoying yourself, but also have a budget, there's bound to be stresses.
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"But I think our relationship is still in tact even if you find me slightly more irritating that you used to," she laughed.
"This has been really great fun," Jo added before the pair raced down sand dunes together.
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