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Inquest Blames Wet Roads, Worn Tyres in Sam Crash

8/25/2026

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Summary

Sam Gardiner Crash

The inquest concluded heavy rain and inadequate tyre tread contributed to Sam Gardiner’s fatal crash.
Police Constable Adam Dixon testified the A34 Kingsway surface was “very wet” near Manchester.
The crash occurred at about 9:50 p.m. on 26 May 2025 when his white Volkswagen Golf R estate left the road and rolled.
The coroner recorded death from a devastating brain injury.

Summary

Jo Gardiner Dies

British physiotherapist Jo Gardiner died at 61 after a long cancer battle.
She is survived by son Charlie; her other son Sam died in June 2025.
Sam Gardiner, 24, died when his white Volkswagen Golf R rolled off the road near Manchester.
Jo and Sam competed in the 2020 second series of BBC’s Race Across the World.
The duo raced from Mexico City to Ushuaia, Argentina, against four other mother-son pairs.

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Sam Gardiner Crash

The inquest concluded heavy rain and inadequate tyre tread contributed to Sam Gardiner’s fatal crash.
Police Constable Adam Dixon testified the A34 Kingsway surface was “very wet” near Manchester.
The crash occurred at about 9:50 p.m. on 26 May 2025 when his white Volkswagen Golf R estate left the road and rolled.
The coroner recorded death from a devastating brain injury.

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