BBC Race Across The World shares emotional tribute to contestant Sam Gardiner, who died in tragic accident at 24

The 24-year-old, who appeared in series two of the BBC travel programme in the 2020 series, died earlier this week. His family confirmed on Sunday, June 1 that he had been killed in a car crash.

The touching memorial prompted an immediate response from viewers on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, as fans expressed their sorrow at the news of his passing.

Viewers quickly shared their reactions to the tribute online. One person wrote on X: "They gave Sam Gardiner an end card. Sad."

Another viewer posted: "The tribute to Sam Gardiner," accompanied by a sad face emoji. A third person commented: "Rest in peace to Sam Gardiner, who took part in series 2 with his Mum, Jo, back in 2020."

Further messages of condolence followed, with one viewer describing it as a "lovely tribute to Sam at the end." Another simply wrote: "Rest in peace Sam."

"My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time," a sixth shared.

The outpouring of grief on social media reflected the impact the mother and son team had made during their appearance on the programme.

Sam's parents Jo and Andrew released a statement confirming their son's death in the car accident on Sunday. They said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident."

The couple added: "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 described their son as "adored by his family," noting that "as a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective."

The family revealed that Sam's participation in Race Across the World had "opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel."

The BBC's official Race Across the World Instagram account posted a heartfelt message honouring Sam and Jo's journey.

The statement read: "We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam, who died this week following a car accident."

The post continued: "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."

The BBC concluded: "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."

Sam and Jo competed in the 2019 series, racing from Mexico to Argentina.

Though they were unable to complete the final leg after running out of money, Sam had described the experience as "life-changing."

The 24-year-old was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle, on Monday night (May 26) when his vehicle left the road and rolled before landing on its side.

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No other vehicles were involved in the incident. The accident occurred on Monday evening as Gardiner was travelling along the A34 carriageway.

The programme sees contestants race across countries without flying, relying on ground transport and limited budgets to reach their destinations.

Sam worked as a landscape gardener on Scotland's west coast, where the family said "he found great happiness" in his profession.

He is survived by his parents Jo and Andrew, his brothers William and Charlie, and his stepmother Justine.

The family has requested privacy as they grieve and remember Sam's life.