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Andrew Cross, a YouTube Star better known as Desert Drifter, is dead following a fatal car crash that left him hospitalized with a brain injury, and on the brink of death for weeks. The 36-year-old made a name for himself documenting desert tours and mountain climbs for years, spotlighting the Native American culture and history. Sadly, he met his harsh fate on January 31, after encountering a severe accident in Colorado. Since then, his health showed little improvement, prompting his family to make a difficult call a month later.
The YouTube star’s family announced his death via a post on CaringBridge.com on March 5, revealing Andrew Cross died peacefully surrounded by “love and light,” with his wife Evelyn by his side. In the post, his sister Jenna Spooner acknowledged that the Desert Drifter died on March 4, after taking him off life support. Prior to that, the icon had been on the medical aid for weeks, after undergoing brain surgery in the wake of the car crash.
Desert Drifter Andrew Cross Dead After Horrific Car Accident
They made the heartbreaking decision after Andrew Cross’ medical team advised that the chances of the Desert Drifter surviving the ordeal and recovering were slim. Jenna explained that his medical team and family paid him a befitting tribute before his final passing. She wrote,
“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. Then in the room, friends and family read scripture, prayed, and sang during the process of removing life support, and for over an hour afterwards. It was peaceful and beautiful.”
Despite finding a level of relief knowing Andrew Cross now rested peacefully “in light and love,” his family admittedly felt immense grief over his death, deeming it “a big loss.” The post went on to appreciate everyone for their “steadfast support and prayers” throughout the YouTuber’s battle for his life.
Reports of Andrew Cross’ car crash first emerged on February 1 after his wife Evelyn Cross announced the incident in a video, revealing he suffered a severe brain injury. At the time, the grieving wife asked his YouTube fans and the public to pray for him as he continued fighting for his life in an intensive care unit.
Tributes Pour in After YouTube Star’s Death
The accident happened in Colorado on January 31. Per reports, the YouTuber was parked at a red light when another vehicle rear-ended him at high speed, leaving him severely hurt. Despite undergoing emergency brain surgery afterward to treat the severe bleeding in his brain, the icon’s recovery remained uncertain. Since his passing, fans have rallied on social media to bid their final farewells. Reacting to the sad news of Andrew Cross’ death, one fan wrote,
“Tragic, I just discovered this guy’s stuff. Really a special view of the American Southwest and the people that lived there. He was a kind soul and a wonderful guide. RIP.”
Another wrote,
“RIP Andrew. This is heartbreaking. May his spirit drift freely through the desert.”
A third fan grieved,
“I can’t believe that. I’m a huge fan of this guy and my family watches his videos all the time. He will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you did, Andrew.”
In an earlier post on CaringBridge.com shared last month, the family reported that medical experts ruled that the Virginia Native had a slim chance of regaining consciousness, making his recovery unlikely. This sad revelation prompted their decision to remove him from life support, knowing their continued effort to sustain his life via the medical intervention went against what Cross would have wanted. His legacy continues to live on through his memorable videos, adventures, and educational pieces on his channel, which have impacted millions for years.
