The adventure travel community is reeling following the tragic loss of popular YouTube influencers Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans, known as Toyota World Runners. The couple died on August 7 in an off-road vehicle crash near Trout Lake, located in the remote Purcell Range of British Columbia. Rescue teams from Kaslo Search and Rescue (SAR) were dispatched at approximately 6:30 p.m. following an emergency call and efficiently reached the crash site using both ground and aerial resources. One individual was found without vital signs at the scene, while the other succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital.
The duo gained global recognition through their adventurous travels across North and South America, sharing meticulously crafted overland build projects—including what they touted as the world’s first Land Cruiser Chinook—and raw storytelling from some of the most rugged terrains. Their influence was reflected in the couple’s substantial following: over 200,000 YouTube subscribers and nearly 74,000 Instagram followers.
The precise circumstances behind the crash remain under investigation. SAR officials suspect that loss of control on rough terrain was a contributing factor, but whether the pair were filming at the time has not been confirmed.
Tributes have poured in from across the off-road and overlanding community. A heartfelt statement from their families, shared by Stacey’s mother Colleen Tourout, read: “With unimaginable heartache… in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia that they loved so much. Please keep us and them in your thoughts… They are together forever.” A fellow creator from Dirt Theory described the loss as “a devastating end to an amazing love story.”
Their final YouTube video—posted just days before the accident—has taken on an unintentional poignancy, becoming a sentimental tribute for their loyal audience. It showcased their vehicle in rugged use, immersing viewers in the couple’s passion for exploration.
Stacey and Matthew’s legacy—a blend of craftsmanship, storytelling, and fearless exploration—has left a lasting mark on the global adventure community.