Bbc race across the world star dies aged 24 after car crash

Race Across the World contestant Sam Gardiner has tragically died aged just 24 years old following a car crash. The ex-BBC show participant lost his life when his vehicle veered off the A34

in Cheadle and overturned on Monday. Sam, who worked as a landscape gardener, had been in Scotland for work and came down to Stockport for a family birthday party earlier that week,

according to his uncle. Sam featured on the hit BBC travel programme with his mother Jo, journeying through South America in the show's second series broadcast in 2020. In a heartfelt

tribute, his parents Jo and Andrew expressed their heartbreak. They said: "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 spoke of Sam being "adored by his family" and characterised him as "loyal, funny and fiercely

protective". They also mentioned how his stint on the BBC series "opened Sam's eyes to the wonder of adventure", reports the Manchester Evening News. Despite not being

able to finish the final stage of the race due to financial constraints, Sam had described his participation in Race Across the World as a "life-changing" journey. Sam was rushed

to hospital following the crash where he was treated for serious head injuries. In a statement at the time, police said: "Emergency services attended the scene and the driver, a 24 year

old man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious and life-threatening condition. "Initial

enquiries suggest that the car, a white VW Golf R estate, was travelling north on the A34 in Gatley and officers believe that the vehicle went off the carriageway and rolled before landing

on its side." Following the tragic news, a spokesperson for 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. "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." _GET ALL THE LATEST AND BREAKING NEWS IN YORKSHIRE BY __SIGNING UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER HERE._