Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner dead at 24

Former “Race Across the World” contestant Sam Gardiner has died following a car crash.He was 24.Gardiner was behind the wheel of a white Volkswagen in Manchester, England, on Monday night when the vehicle left the roadway, overturned, and landed on its side, according to Greater Manchester Police.He was the only passenger of the vehicle, police added.The Brit was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries on May 29.“His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers,” police said in a statement Sunday.Gardiner’s heartbroken parents, mother Jo and father Andrew, said they were “devastated by the loss” in a statement obtained by The Post.“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,” the family said.Jo and Andrew described their son as “loyal, funny and fiercely protective,” and said that he was “adored” by his family as a son, brother and nephew.In their heartfelt statement, they remembered Gardiner’s time on “Race Across the World,” saying the experience “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,” they went on.“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,” they concluded.At the time of his death, Gardiner had been employed as a landscape gardener in Scotland, but was visiting family in Manchester when the accident took place.Gardiner appeared on Season 2 of the hit BBC series alongside his mother in March 2020.

He was 19 at the time.During th...