Overview
- Coroner Christopher Morris ruled the 24-year-old died in a road traffic collision after his VW Golf R struck the central reservation in heavy rain on May 26 near Cheadle.
- Witnesses reported Gardiner was weaving through traffic by overtaking and undertaking as visibility dropped and standing water built up.
- Forensic evidence found insufficient tyre tread and road defects, including blocked drainage and potholes, which increased standing water on the A34.
- Investigators had no CCTV or dashcam footage and could not calculate an exact speed, though the coroner described a significant estimated speed.
- Gardiner died in hospital on May 29 from a devastating brain injury; his family and the BBC show’s producers issued tributes, and a National FASD fundraiser has surpassed £28,500.