The YouTube community is mourning the loss of a beloved content creator who touched the lives of many.

Andrew Cross, known to his dedicated audience as “Desert Drifter,” tragically passed away on March 4 at the young age of 36. He had cultivated a loyal following of nearly 500,000 subscribers on his channel, where he shared his passion for outdoor adventures and exploration. His sister, Jenna Spooner, shared the heartbreaking news on the CaringBridge website, revealing that he had succumbed to injuries sustained in a serious car accident that occurred just a month earlier.

In the weeks leading up to his untimely death, Andrew had been placed on life support due to a critical brain injury resulting from the incident on February 1. He was married to his loving wife, Evelyn Cross, in 2021 and was surrounded by family during his final moments. Just a day prior to his passing, medical staff made the compassionate decision to remove him from life support, allowing him to transition peacefully.

Jenna expressed profound gratitude for the support Andrew received, stating, “Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light & love.” She shared that he departed this world peacefully on March 4 at 10:50 AM MST, with Evelyn by his side, supported by his parents and close friends who were there to provide comfort and love in his last moments.

Additionally, the dedicated medical team who cared for Andrew honored him in a touching tribute. Jenna recounted how, before he was removed from life support, they placed him on a mobile ventilator, walking him through the ICU in a heartfelt procession. Hospital staff lined the hallway, paying their respects and celebrating his life as a passionate outdoor adventure influencer.