Prominent adventurer Andrew Cross has died aged 36 after being involved in a “severe” car accident in Colorado.
Cross, known as “Desert Drifter” to half a million fans on YouTube, died on Tuesday after being treated for a serious brain injury from a 31 January crash.
“Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light and love,” the explorer’s sister, Jenna Spooner, announced on the CaringBridge website, where a page was set up to share updates on his health.
“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 added.
“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.”
Spooner said that before his death, the doctors put him on a mobile ventilator and walked a loop around the whole ICU while all the staff lined the hallway as a way to honour him. He was taken off life support afterwards.
“Then in the room, friends & family read scripture, prayed, and sang during the process of removing life support and for over an hour afterwards. It was peaceful and beautiful,” she 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 honour a life well lived.”
Colorado’s Mesa County Coroner’s Office in Colorado confirmed to TMZ that Cross had died from injuries sustained in the two-car accident. Cross was rear-ended at high speed while stationary.
The YouTuber described his vlogging as “exploration and adventure with a historical twist”, documenting desert tours and mountain climbs, giving subscribers an archaeological insight into rocks.
More to follow…
