BBC Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner's mum issues statement after car crash tragedy

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner's mum has issued an emotional statement about Greater Manchester Police said the 24-year-old, who appeared on the hit had been driving on the A34 on Monday, 26 May, when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side.

Sam had been working in and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week. Sam’s parents, Jo and Andrew, have now shared a statement where they described Sam as 'loyal, funny and fiercely protective'.

They 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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His parents added: "He did Race Across The World in 2019, which 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. 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”.

Sam's uncle Jonny Dunlop has spoke out about the young gardener as he told the BBC: "What you saw was what you got. Sam loved , animals and doing physical activity." He said his sister Jo and Sam had a "special relationship" and were an "enormous hit on the show". "The public really loved them," he said.

Sam, who previously worked as a landscape gardener, appeared on the BBC travel show alongside his mum Jo. The duo trekked across South America in the second series of Race Across the World that aired in 2020.

Although the mother and son were unable to compete in the final leg of the race due to running out of money, Sam described his time on Race Across the World as a "life-changing" experience.

Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson 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."

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