YouTuber Andrew Cross has tragically passed away after being taken off life support.
The content creator, known to his fans on social media as Desert Drifter, suffered a devastating car accident on January 31 that left him with a traumatic brain injury.
On March 4, Cross' sister, Jenna, revealed through a CaringBridge update that her brother was taken off life support and described his final moments as “peaceful and full of love”.
Cross was surrounded by his wife Evelyn, his parents, and close friends as he took his final breaths.
"Hi friends, Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light & love," Jenna wrote, sharing that before he was removed, medical staff honored him with a walk around the ICU as his loved ones followed behind.
"Then in the room, friends & family read scripture, prayed, and sang during the process of removing life support and for over an hour afterwards. It was peaceful and beautiful," she added.
Jenna also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers.
"Andrew really lived life to the fullest, and his story & impact isn’t over yet. It’s been wonderful to get to know him in new ways as we’ve seen photos and stories shared by so many," she said. "We look forward to more of that as we honor a life well lived."
Cross had 474K subscribers on YouTube and built a dedicated following by documenting his explorations of remote desert landscapes and historical sites, blending adventure with archaeology.
His content gave viewers a unique perspective on the American West and the lives of those who came before.
After the accident, Cross' wife took to his YouTube channel to update subscribers on his condition, revealing that he had undergone emergency brain surgery and was “fighting for his life".
Colorado’s Mesa County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the YouTuber died from injuries sustained in the crash. According to TMZ, he was rear-ended at high speed while his vehicle was stationary.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist with the Cross family's medical expenses has seen an outpouring of generosity, raising $489,242 at the time of his passing.
Friends and fans alike have paid tribute to the beloved creator. A close friend, Tara Winter, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling Cross “one of the best people I’ve ever known".
"He was genuine, selfless, and had a deep love for God and everyone he met. Just being around him made you love him," Winter wrote.
Across social media, fans expressed their grief and gratitude for his work. "Thank you to Andrew Cross aka ‘Desert Drifter’ for bringing us the beautiful and amazing West of the US," one user wrote on X. "Also for showing us a glimpse into a way of life for people who came before us. RIP. Many prayers for his family - you will be missed."
Another person shared: "Andrew Cross, Youtube's Desert Drifter, has gone home to be with his Lord. I'm deeply saddened though I never met him, I spent hours with him exploring the Southwest. Please pray for comfort for his family, especially his wife Evelyn."
A third viewer penned how much Cross’s content meant to them personally: "Prayers to YouTube creator Andrew Cross, or the Desert Drifter. Me and my 10yr old daughter loved watching his videos as he explored the southwest finding ancient native ruins and art work. He tragically passed away in an auto accident. Our family thanks you."
Our thoughts are with Cross's loved ones at this time.