YouTube personality and outdoor adventure guide Andrew Cross, known to his followers as “Desert Drifter,” has died after being taken off life support on March 4. Cross, 28, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident on January 31 and had been in critical condition ever since.
His sister, Jenna Cross, shared the devastating news on a CaringBridge site, where she had been updating family, friends, and fans on Andrew’s condition. In her post, she described his passing as “peaceful and full of love,” noting that his family, close friends, and wife, Evelyn, were by his side at the time of his death.
“Hi friends, Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light & love,” Jenna wrote, explaining that his final moments were filled with warmth. “Before removing Andrew from life support yesterday, they put him on a mobile ventilator and walked a loop around the whole ICU while all the available staff lined the hallway as a way to honor him.”
Jenna also recounted how the hospital staff and family took part in a final farewell. “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 continued.
The Cross family received an outpouring of support during Andrew’s medical ordeal, with his sister expressing gratitude for the community’s “steadfast support and prayers.”
“Andrew really lived life to the fullest, and his story & impact isn’t over yet,” she said. “It’s been wonderful to get to know him in new ways as we’ve seen photos and stories shared by so many. We look forward to more of that as we honor a life well lived.”
Cross, who was well-known for his outdoor expeditions, had developed a dedicated online following through his YouTube channel. His videos documented his adventures and explorations of the outdoors, inspiring many with his passion for nature and adventure. His influence as an outdoor guide and influencer had made a lasting impression on his fans, many of whom continue to share their stories of how Cross impacted their lives.
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A GoFundMe campaign that had been set up to help the family with medical expenses had raised $479,491 by the time of Cross’s passing. The fundraising effort reflected the widespread love and admiration that Andrew garnered throughout his life.
Tara Winter, a close friend of the Cross family, paid tribute to Andrew on Instagram on March 5. In her post, she described Andrew as “one of the best people I’ve ever known.”
“He was genuine, selfless, and had a deep love for God and everyone he met,” Winter wrote. “Just being around him made you love him.” Winter’s tribute resonated with many of Cross’s followers, who shared their own memories of the beloved influencer.
As fans and loved ones continue to mourn his passing, Andrew Cross’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his online presence, his adventures, and his kindness. The community that surrounded him has vowed to keep his memory alive, with many planning to share their favorite stories and photos of the adventurer as a way to honor his life.
Cross’s tragic death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of community in times of hardship. His story, while cut short, continues to inspire many who admired his genuine love for life and people. As his family and friends grieve, they take comfort in the knowledge that his impact on the world will endure far beyond his time.
