Andrew Cross Taken Off Life Support One Month After Crash
Popular YouTuber and outdoor adventurer Andrew Cross, best known as ‘Desert Drifter’, has passed away at the age of 36, according to a statement from his family. Cross was removed from life support on March 4, 2025, after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a car accident on January 31, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona.
His passing has devastated his fans, friends, and family, who have been following his journey both as a YouTuber and as a passionate explorer of the American Southwest.
Terrible news was announced this morning about YouTube creator, @DesertDrifter, Andrew Cross. His family made the wrenching decision to remove Andrew from life support this morning. On January 31, 2025, Andrew was hit by a drunk driver in Colorado Springs while he was returning… pic.twitter.com/WvBLFk5hi9
The Accident That Led to His Passing
Incident Details:
- Date of Accident: January 31, 2025
- Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
- Injury: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) requiring emergency surgery
- Medical Condition: Cross remained in a coma for over a month before doctors determined he had no chance of recovery
According to reports, Cross was involved in a serious crash late at night while driving near a remote area in Flagstaff. He was immediately transported to the hospital, where he underwent emergency brain surgery but never regained consciousness.
Family’s Emotional Statement & Final Moments
On March 4, 2025, after weeks of uncertainty, Cross’s family made the heartbreaking decision to take him off life support. His sister, Jenna, shared that he was surrounded by loved ones during his final moments, including his wife, Evelyn, and close friends.
Statement from Andrew’s Sister, Jenna:
"We had to make the most difficult decision of our lives, but we knew Andrew would want peace. He was a light in our lives, and his adventurous spirit will live on forever in all of us."
Hospital staff honored Cross with a “final walk” around the ICU, a tradition that allows medical personnel to pay tribute to patients whose lives have deeply impacted those around them.
Fans and Community Show Support
The Desert Drifter community has rallied around Cross’s family, offering emotional and financial support.
Fan Support & Donations:
- A GoFundMe campaign to cover his medical expenses has already raised nearly $480,000 from thousands of supporters.
- Fellow YouTubers and adventure enthusiasts have posted heartfelt tributes remembering Cross’s impact on the outdoor community.
Popular YouTubers and outdoor influencers have also expressed their condolences, recognizing Cross’s legacy as an adventurer and storyteller.
The Legacy of ‘Desert Drifter’
Andrew Cross built a loyal following on YouTube, where he documented his solo camping trips, desert explorations, and survival challenges in the rugged landscapes of Arizona, Utah, and Nevada.
Why People Loved His Content:
Showcased hidden gems of the Southwest
Inspired people to embrace the outdoors
Advocated for sustainable and ethical travel
While his journey was cut short, his videos, adventures, and love for nature will continue inspiring thousands. His family has hinted that they may keep his channel active in his memory, possibly releasing unpublished footage from his travels.