Gina Heslop
Andrew Cross, a popular YouTube star known as “Desert Drifter,” died on Tuesday, March 4, at the age of 36.
He passed away after being taken off life support due to a severe brain injury he suffered in a car accident on January 31.
Cross was an outdoor adventure guide who shared his love for exploration and history with his 400,000 YouTube subscribers. His channel, which featured videos with a historical twist, had gained over 68 million views since he started it in November 2023.
The accident left Cross with a traumatic brain injury, and he remained in the hospital for just over a month. During this difficult time, his wife, Evelyn, took over his YouTube page to update his fans.
On February 2, she shared a video explaining his condition, describing how serious his injuries were and asking for prayers and positive thoughts from the community. Evelyn expressed how much the YouTube community meant to both her and Andrew, showing gratitude for the support they received.
As Cross remained in the intensive care unit, his family created a GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses. The fundraiser received a strong response, collecting $479,491 by the time of his death.
On March 4, Cross’ family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support. His sister, Jenna, shared the news through a CaringBridge site, saying, “Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light & love. He went to be with the Lord today.” She described his passing as peaceful and full of love, with his wife, parents, and close friends by his side.
Before removing life support, doctors placed Cross on a mobile ventilator and honored him by wheeling him around the ICU while hospital staff lined the hallway. In his room, loved ones read scripture, prayed, and sang for more than an hour, creating a serene and beautiful farewell.
Jenna expressed gratitude for the support and prayers from fans and emphasized how important it was for the family to remain full of faith during this time. She noted that they wanted to avoid looking back with regret, choosing instead to cherish the time they had with him.
Reflecting on his life, Jenna said, “Andrew really lived life to the fullest, and his story & impact isn’t over yet.”
