Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner's cause of death heard after devastating crash

Sam Gardiner died three days after the crash on the A34, an inquest opening has heard

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner died of a 'devastating brain injury' after crashing into a tree on the A34 in Stockport, an inquest opening heard.

The 24-year-old lost control of his car after hitting a kerb on the central reservation near Cheadle on Monday, May 26. He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital where he died three days later, the hearing at Stockport coroners court was told.

Police coroners officer Andrew Levett told the opening Sam, a landscape gardener, of Gatley, Stockport, died of a 'devastating brain injury', from a road traffic collision.

He added: "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."

Assistant coroner Christopher Murray adjourned the hearing for a full inquest to be held on October 13.

In a statement at the time of his death, police said: "Emergency services attended the scene and the driver, 24-year-old man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious and life-threatening condition.

"Initial enquiries suggest that the car, a white VW Golf R estate, was travelling north on the A34 in Gatley and officers believe that the vehicle went off the carriageway and rolled before landing on its side."

Sam appeared with his mum Jo in the 2020 series of the BBC show when they travelled across South America.

He was working as a landscape gardener in Scotland and was travelling to a family birthday in Stockport at the time of the crash, his uncle said in a statement after his death.

In an emotional tribute, Sam's parents Jo and Andrew said they were 'devastated', adding: "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's parents said he was 'adored by his family' and described him as 'loyal, funny and fiercely protective'.

They added his time on the BBC show 'opened Sam's eyes to the wonder of adventure'.

Sam and Jo were unable to compete in the final leg of the race after they ran out of money. Sam described his time on Race Across the World as a 'life-changing' experience.