Andrew Cross, who rose to fame on YouTube, has died at the age of 36.
The YouTube star, who was known as a Desert Drifter to fans on the platform, died peacefully on Tuesday after being taken off life support. Andrew had been involved in a serious car accident in Colorado last month and had sustained a brain injury.
The sad news was shared by his sister on the CaringBridge website, in which she said: “Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light and love.”
Jenna added how Andrew was with by his parents and wife Evelyn when he died. She wrote: “He went to be with the Lord today, March 4 at 10:50 AM MST. It was peaceful and full of love in the room with Evelyn by his side, his parents and close friends nearby.”
She continued: “It’s a big loss for all of us, and we’re immensely grateful for your steadfast support and prayers Throughout all of this, it’s been our heart to stay full of faith, so we wouldn’t look back and wonder ‘what if…’ Thank you for walking in that with us.”
Andrew’s sister Jenna also shared his final moments. She explained how, before his passing, Andrew was put on a mobile ventilator and was taken on a loop around the intensive care unit while staff lined the hallways ‘as a way to honour him’. She added: “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.”
Jenna continued: “It was peaceful and beautiful.” Paying tribute to her beloved brother, Jenna added: “Andrew really lived life to the fullest, and his story & impact isn’t over yet. 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.”
Tributes for the YouTuber flooded his CaringBridge page as one fan wrote: “Evelyn Im so sorry for your loss. Andrew was a friend to so many of us and we will miss him and never firget him.”
While another fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “R.I.P. Andrew Cross. He had one of the best channels on YouTube and brought a lot of light into this world with his amazing videos. He will be missed. His wife Evelyn is in our prayers.” Another added: “Thank You to Andrew Cross aka “Desert Drifter” for brining us the beautiful and amazing West of the US Also for showing us a glimpse into a way of life for people who came before us RIP many prayers for his family you will be missed”.
A third added: “I’m completely shattered. Desert Drifter was an inspiration to me and I eagerly awaited every video he dropped. Please consider checking out his library. He was young, kind, adventurous, and soulful. RIP Andrew Cross. I’m rewatching all the vids.”
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