Race Across the World honours Sam Gardiner with touching tribute after death

Race Across the World has honoured former contestant, Sam Gardiner, with a touching tribute after his tragic death.

At the end of Wednesday's (June 4) episode, the show displayed a tribute card to Sam, following his death aged 24 this week.

As the credits rolled, an emotional message came on screen as the hit travel show paid tribute to the series two star.

Alongside a picture of Sam, the tribute read: "In loving memory of Sam Gardiner, 2000 to 2025."

After watching the episode, the show's viewers swiftly turned to X (formerly Twitter) to express their sorrow, with one viewer remarking: "They gave Sam Gardiner an end card. Sad," reports .

Another added: "The tribute to Sam Gardiner [sad face]," while a third offered condolences: "Rest in peace to Sam Gardiner, who took part in series 2 with his Mum, Jo, back in 2020."

A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: "Lovely tribute to Sam at the end," and yet another added: "Rest in peace Sam."

Sam's family confirmed that he had died in a car crash on Sunday (June 1).

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 also noted that participating in Race Across the World "opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel".

Shortly after, the official Instagram account for the BBC travel series posted a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Sam and Jo's journey from Mexico to Argentina.

"We are all deeply saddened to hear the tragic news about Sam, who died this week following a car accident," the post started.

"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 tribute 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."

Race Across the World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer