Stacey Tourout and Matthew Yeomans, the Canadian couple behind the widely followed Toyota World Runners YouTube channel, have died following an off-roading accident in British Columbia’s remote West Kootenay region.
Both are from Nanaimo, B.C., and were known among fellow travelers as adventurous types who were handy mechanically and who shared a hearty, personal way of recording their travels. Kaslo Search and Rescue (SAR) reported the crash occurring around 7:30 p.m. August 7, 2025, on a remote forestry road south of Trout Lake.
One of them was declared dead at the scene; the second was airlifted to hospital but died of injuries shortly afterwards. SAR says the cause was likely a loss of control on uneven terrain, but the inquiry continues.
Tourout and Yeomans launched Toyota World Runners in January 2020, building a dedicated audience of more than 200,000 YouTube subscribers and over 74,000 Instagram followers. Their 345 videos amassed nearly 18 million views, showcasing vehicle builds, backcountry routes, and “overlanding” a style of long-distance vehicle travel that blends off-roading with extended camping.
They traveled through 16 countries across North and South America, chronicling remote mountain passes, desert crossings, and coastal drives. Their signature project was “Sunday,” the world’s first Land Cruiser–Chinook camper, which they built in just 100 days.
Their treks were about the individuals they encountered as much as the terrain they covered. In their most treasured recollection, Yeomans proposed to Tourout in front of Mount Fitz Roy in Argentina in April 2024 and described the moment as “perfectly us.”
Kaslo SAR described the recovery as particularly difficult due to the mountainous setting and uneven, narrow roads. Ground crews, quad teams, and helicopter support were deployed to reach the site.
“The terrain in that area demands respect,”
SAR communications manager Rob Jennings-Bates told reporters.
“Even experienced drivers face unpredictable hazards.”
The location north of Trout Lake and near Silvercup Ridge has limited cell service, requiring specialized coordination for emergency response.
Stacey’s mother, Colleen Tourout, posted a public Facebook tribute describing the loss as “unimaginable heartache,” adding that the couple
“will be together forever.”
Fans have flooded the couple’s social media pages with condolences.
“They inspired thousands to get out and see the world, but to do it authentically,”
wrote one commenter on YouTube. Fellow creators such as The Story Till Now and Dirt Theory also shared memories, calling the pair “legends” in the off-roading community.
For many, Toyota World Runners was more than a channel it was a testament to living life without compromise. Their videos blended technical vehicle know-how with a willingness to share vulnerable, unscripted moments from life on the road.
A tweet from X.
The accident has renewed debate about safety in isolated and extreme travel. SAR officials especially stress proper equipment, route-finding, and circumspection about shifting conditions as fundamentals even among experienced adventurers.
Though the reason behind the crash remains to be officially determined, the couple’s tale is an inspiration and a warning. Their adventures represented an attitude of adventurous spirit which extended far beyond the off-road community.
In their final video, posted July 31, the couple spoke about upcoming plans and their love for the road ahead. That road, tragically, has come to an end but the impact of their travels and the community they built will endure.
