New Details Revealed About ‘Devastating’ Death of Race Across the World Star Sam Gardiner, 24

Sam Gardiner, a former contestant on Race Across the World, has died at the age of 24 following a car accident in Manchester, England.

According to police reports, the crash occurred around 9:50 p.m. local time on Monday, May 26, when Gardiner’s white Volkswagen lost control in heavy rain and veered off the road before overturning. He was the only person in the vehicle.

Gardiner, who appeared in season 2 of the U.K. travel competition show alongside his mother, Jo, was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, May 29.

An inquest later confirmed that Gardiner died from a “devastating brain injury” caused by the crash. The investigation, held at Manchester South Coroner’s Court on October 13, revealed that poor weather, tire conditions, and driving speed all contributed to the incident.

“The [tire] condition of the vehicle and the manner in which it was being driven in view of the poor weather conditions were significant factors in the collision occurring,” read the Record of Inquest.

Witnesses told the court they had seen Gardiner’s vehicle overtaking and undertaking other cars in “appalling” conditions. Detective Constable Simon Venguedasalon of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said, “Several witnesses said that Sam was undertaking and overtaking slow-moving vehicles. A lot of the witnesses had slowed down due to the lack of visibility and the standing water on the road.”

He added that Gardiner’s “driving was not consistent with the [weather] conditions at the time,” noting that the vehicle’s tires had insufficient tread, which likely caused the car to lose control.

Consultant Dr. Naisbitt from Salford Royal Hospital testified that Gardiner was placed in an induced coma after suffering critical injuries, but doctors determined “there was no realistic prospect of any meaningful recovery.”

Coroner Christopher Morris described Gardiner as “a remarkable person who lit up the lives of many,” adding that he was “one of life’s adventurers… caring, generous, with a great spirit and a big heart.”

Gardiner, who was from Gatley, Stockport, had been working as a landscape gardener in Scotland at the time of the crash and was driving home to Manchester for a family gathering.

Following his death, Gardiner’s parents, Jo and Andrew, released a heartfelt statement through Greater Manchester Police.

“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.

“Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother, and nephew, he was loyal, funny, and fiercely protective. He brought warmth, laughter, and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. 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.”