Race Across the World contestant Sam Gardiner, 24, died after losing control of his car while driving in "appalling conditions", an inquest heard. Sam suffered a major head injury when his Volkswagen Golf left the road. Sam, who starred in the inaugural series of the BBC show with his mum Jo, was driving home from work in Scotland, where he lived and worked as a landscape gardener.

He was set to attend his aunt's birthday party when the heartbreaking accident happened on the A34 in Stockport on May 26, 2025. Detective Constable Simon Venguedasalon, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "A lot of the witnesses had slowed down due to the lack of visibility and the standing water on the road. His driving was not consistent with the conditions at the time."

During his court appearance, Police Constable Adam Dixon stated that the road surface was "very wet" due to "bad weather".

The court heard how the tyres on Sam's vehicle had insufficient tread depth, which was likely to contribute to the accident.

The BBC star was rushed to the hospital and put into an induced coma due to severe injuries. Tragically, he couldn't be saved and died three days later.

Coroner Christopher Morris, who told the court Sam died in a road traffic collision, said he'd been "weaving in and out around traffic" in "appalling" weather conditions before he "struck a kerb on the central reservation".

He added: "Sam was truly a remarkable person who lit up the lives of many... He loved his sport, he loved his cars, and he loved being outdoors.

Sam's parents said in a statement following his untimely death:

"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."

Sam and his mother explored Mexico and Argentina during their stint on the show, but they soon ran out of money and had to quit the race.

A Race Across The World spokesperson said: "We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam.

"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."