TV star died from ‘devastating brain injury’ after car crash, inquest hears
Race Across the World contestant Sam Gardiner died from a brain injury sustained in a car crash, an inquest has heard.
The 24-year-old featured in the BBC series alongside his mum Jo in the series which aired in March 2020.
The mother-son duo travelled across Mexico and Argentina as part of the cross-country challenge and came fourth.
Gardiner was driving a white Volkswagen Golf R estate when it came off the road and rolled on 26 May.
At a hearing at Stockport Coroners’ Court, the inquest was told he lost control of his car after hitting a kerb on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle.
He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, where he died three days later.
Police coroner’s officer Andrew Levett told the court that Gardiner had died as a result of a “devastating brain injury” – a form of severe trauma that causes irreversible damage to brain function.
Levett said: “At approximately 9.49pm on Monday, May 26, Sam Gardiner was travelling on the A34 northbound heading towards Manchester when his vehicle collided with the kerb on the central reservation.
“He lost control of his vehicle before striking a tree and coming to a rest.”
Gardiner, who was a landscape gardener, had been working on an isolated estate on the west coast of Scotland and was home in Manchester for a family gathering.
A full inquest is scheduled for 13 October.
In a statement, his parents Jo and Andrew said they were “devastated” by the loss of their son.
The statement said: “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.
“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.”
The show paid tribute to Gardiner in a recent episode, while his loved ones have said they are “overwhelmed” by the support they’ve received.
A JustGiving page launched in his memory, in aid of National FASD (foetal alcohol spectrum disorder), has so far raised nearly £20,000.
