Popular YouTuber Andrew Cross, known as “Desert Drifter” to his half a million subscribers, has died at the age of 36 after being taken off life support following a severe car accident in Colorado. The tragic crash occurred on January 31, leaving Cross with a serious brain injury.
Cross passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, surrounded by loved ones. His sister, Jenna Spooner, shared the news on the CaringBridge website, describing his final moments as “peaceful and beautiful.” She revealed that before his passing, Andrew was placed on a mobile ventilator and taken on a loop around the ICU, with staff lining the hallway to honor him. Friends and family gathered to read scripture, pray, and sing during the process of removing life support and for over an hour afterward.
Earlier this week, the family made the difficult decision to remove Andrew from life support, acknowledging his discomfort and stating that a life dependent on machines was not what he would have wanted. Spooner reflected on Andrew’s adventurous spirit, saying he “really lived life to the fullest” and that his story and impact would continue through the memories and stories shared by his loved ones.
Andrew, a Virginia-born adventurer, was known for his YouTube channel, where he documented desert tours and mountain climbs, blending exploration with historical storytelling. He was tragically rear-ended at high speed while stopped in a two-car accident.
The Mesa County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Andrew died from injuries sustained in the crash. His family had raised over $482,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to support his wife, Evelyn, a speech-language pathologist, with medical bills and other expenses.
Andrew’s passing has left a profound impact on his family, friends, and fans, who continue to honor his adventurous spirit and the legacy he leaves behind.
