Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner dies aged 24

Race Across The World contestant Sam Gardiner has died at the age of 24 in a car crash, his family has said.

In a statement, his mother Jo - who appeared on the 2019 series with him - and his father Andrew said: "We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. "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." They added that taking part in Race Across The World "opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel".

The statement continued: "He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. "Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went.

He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. "He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland.

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." Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the car accident happened on the A34 in Gatley, near Cheadle on Monday night.

He died from his injuries on Thursday, they said. "Emergency services attended the scene after a vehicle was reported to have left the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side," a spokesperson said.

The 24-year-old was the only person in his car and no other vehicles were involved, they added. A spokesperson for the makers of Race Across The World said: "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.

"Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result. "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo; his brothers, William and Charlie; his step mum Justine; his family and friends.".