Sam appeared on the show five years ago and died in a tragic accident in May

Anew inquest into the death of Race Across the World favourite Sam Gardiner has revealed more tragic details about his final moments.

Sam died back in May at the age of 24 following a “terrible” car accident. Sam’s mum, Jo, who was also on the show, led tributes to her beloved son. The BBC also paid tribute with a touching nod to Sam at the end of the Race Across the World episode that aired directly following his death.

Now, more details have been shared.

Sam was on Race Across the World in 2020 (Credit: BBC)

Death of Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner announced

Back in May, it was announced that Sam had died at the age of 24. Sam was best known for appearing in Race Across the World season 2 alongside his mum, Jo. Together, they travelled through South America, visiting countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Chile.

In a statement, Jo and Andrew, his parents, said that they have been left “devastated” by Sam’s death.

“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 said.

During the show, viewers saw Sam and his mum’s bond grow (Credit: Greater Manchester Police / Facebook)

‘Sam left us far too soon’

Their statement continued, reading: “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,” they then said.

“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 then added.

According to Greater Manchester Police, Sam had been driving on the A34 near Gately, Greater Manchester, on Monday, May 24. His car left the road and rolled before landing on its side. He was the only person in the car, and no other vehicles were involved.

Following the crash he was hospitalised, however he sadly died from his injuries on Thursday, May 29.

An initial inquest revealed his cause of death in June. It heard that his death was a result of a “devastating brain injury”. The inquest heard that Sam hit a kerb on the central reservation of the A34 in Stockport before crashing into a tree. Now, the full inquest has taken place.

The BBC’s tribute to Sam (Credit: BBC)

Full inquest held

Earlier today (October 13), the Manchester Evening News shared details from the inquest.

It shared that Sam had died after losing control of his car during “appalling” weather. The inquest at Manchester South Coroner’s Court heard how Sam had been driving home for his aunt’s birthday celebrations after working as a landscape gardener in Scotland.

Coroner Christopher Morris said: “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. He was one of life’s adventurers.”

The court heard that witnesses saw Sam’s car “overtaking and undertaking” in heavy rain before it hit the central reservation and left the road.

Detective Constable Simon Venguedasalon, of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, told the inquest Sam’s driving was “not consistent with the conditions at the time”.

A lack of tread on his tyres also likely contributed to the accident. Sam’s mum Jo and brother Charlie were present at the inquest, according to Mail Online.

Sam was taken to hospital, where he was put into an induced coma. Doctors concluded that “he had sustained a devastating head injury in the crash and that there was no realistic prospect of any meaningful recovery”.

Sam’s mum Jo told the MEN after the inquest: “We want to thank all the witnesses who stopped to help Sam and all the emergency services involved.”