Who was Sam Gardiner? New details emerge months after Across the world star’s death

Sam Gardiner, known for competing in season 2 of Race Across the World with his mother, Jo, died at 24 after a car crash in Manchester, England. Authorities said Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen on May 26, when the vehicle lost control in what they described as “appalling” weather. The car reportedly left the road and “rolled before landing on its side” around 9:50 p.m., according to a statement from Greater Manchester Police.

Sam Gardiner was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries three days later, on Thursday, May 29. Police confirmed he had been the only person in the car. An inquest that opened on June 11 determined that Gardiner died from a “devastating brain injury” sustained in the crash, as noted in a Record of Inquest obtained by People.

Inquest reveals poor weather and tire condition contributed to Sam Gardiner's crash:

Coroner Christopher Morris presided over an inquest at Manchester South Coroner’s Court on Monday, October 13, examining the events that led to the death of Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner.

A Record of Inquest document obtained by the People stated:

“Mr Gardiner died on 29 May 2025 at Salford Royal Hospital, Salford as a consequence of brain injury sustained in a Road traffic collision which occurred on 26 May 2025 on the A34 Kingsway when in poor weather the VW Golf R Estate he was driving lost control and left the carriageway.”

“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, ” the document continued.

During the hearing, officials reiterated that Gardiner had been driving in “appalling” weather conditions when his vehicle lost control, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, and Metro. The Manchester Evening News added that the 24-year-old, who was from Gatley in Stockport, sustained a fatal head injury after his “high-powered” vehicle veered off the road.

Inquest reveals Sam Gardiner was in an induced coma before dying from crash injuries:

Consultant Dr. Naisbitt, who worked in the intensive care unit at Salford Royal Hospital, told the court that Sam Gardiner had been placed in an induced coma following the crash. Despite efforts to save him, doctors determined “that there was no realistic prospect of any meaningful recovery,” according to a local newspaper report.

The court also heard that witnesses had seen Gardiner’s car “overtaking and undertaking” other vehicles shortly before the collision, the outlet reported. Coroner Christopher Morris described Gardiner as “a remarkable person who lit up the lives of many… He loved his sport, he loved his cars, and he loved being outdoors.” Morris added that Gardiner was “one of life’s adventurers,” calling him “caring, generous, with a great spirit and a big heart.” He further noted that Gardiner had been driving at a “significant estimated speed” on the 50 mph stretch of road when the crash occurred.

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner’s family thanks public for outpouring of support:

Sam Gardiner's family shared that they were “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of love and support since his death, as reported by the BBC. In the weeks after the tragedy, they created a fundraiser for the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) charity, which has now surpassed £10,000 in donations. Ms. Gardiner revealed that her son had been diagnosed with the condition, which develops when alcohol exposure occurs in the womb.

“If some good comes of this tragedy, it will be that FASD is better understood,” she said.

She expressed deep gratitude for the kindness shown, saying,

“We have been overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of messages of love and support on social media and in comments to press reporting. We would like to thank the BBC, Studio Lambert and everyone at Race Across The World production, fellow contestants and fans of the show for all their support at this terrible time. It has been very comforting to know that Sam touched so many people,” she shared.

Trending

Ms. Gardiner said she was “particularly moved by all the messages that Sam was an inspiration to many who have been impacted by FASD.” Reflecting on their journey together, she shared, “We adopted Sam, and he was diagnosed with FASD. As viewers of season two will recall, this was a big challenge both for Sam and for us as his parents,” adding that the National FASD charity “helped us on that journey.”

While the loss of Sam Gardiner left a deep void for his loved ones, his family said they hoped his legacy would inspire greater understanding of FASD and the challenges faced by those affected. In honoring his memory, they believed, something meaningful could yet come from tragedy.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback