YouTuber Andrew Cross, 36, Taken Off Life Support, Dies 1 Month After Car Accident
The Colorado-based creator, who was known as ‘Desert Drifter’ online, sustained a traumatic brain injury on Jan. 31
ANDREW CROSS/INSTAGRAM
YouTuber and outdoor adventure guide Andrew Cross was taken off life support on March 4, several weeks after he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident on Jan. 31.
His sister, Jenna, announced the news of his death on a CaringBridge site organized to update family, friends and fans on the condition of the social media star, who was known as “Desert Drifter” online.
“Hi friends, Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light & love,” she began in her post, adding that his death was “peaceful and full of love,” with his parents, close friends and wife, Evelyn, in the room at the time.
ANDREW CROSS/INSTAGRAM
“Before removing Andrew from life support yesterday, they put him on a mobile ventilator and walked a loop around the whole ICU while all the available staff lined the hallway as a way to honor him,” Jenna continued. “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 her thanks for their community’s “steadfast support and prayers” amid his death.
“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,” Jenna’s update concluded. “We look forward to more of that as we honor a life well lived.”
ANDREW CROSS/INSTAGRAM
At the time of his death, a GoFundMe page to help with the Cross family’s medical expenses reached $479,491 in donations.
Tara Winter, a friend of the Colorado-based creator, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on March 5, writing that Cross was “one of the best people I’ve ever known.”
Winter continued, “He was genuine, selfless, and had a deep love for God and everyone he met. Just being around him made you love him.”
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Man who died in Jan. 31 crash was popular YouTuber
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX) – The man, who was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Jan. 31, fought for his life for over a month before succumbing to his injuries on Tuesday.
The Mesa County Coroner’s Office said 36-year-old Andrew Cross of Grand Junction died from injuries sustained in the crash that happened on First Street and North Avenue. Cross was hospitalized since the time of the accident.
Cross had a popular YouTube channel, Desert Drifter, that had around 473,000 subscribers as of Wednesday. He wrote on his about page that his channel is “exploration and adventure with a historical twist.”
Cross’ sister, Jenna Spooner, posted on Facebook after the crash initially happened.
The suspect in the crash – 37-year-old Ragnar Nickolas Kristl – is charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, careless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He will be in court for a return filing of charges on March 12.
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Just after 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, a woman was involved in a hit-and-run crash with a Colorado State Patrol vehicle.
A truck traveling westbound on Interstate 70 near the Highway 6 and 50 exit collided with a Colorado State Patrol vehicle traveling westbound. The truck driver then left the scene of the crash and exited the interstate. Soon after, another CSP trooper contacted the driver at the intersection of 22 Road and Highway 6 and 50.
No injuries were reported and alcohol is not considered a factor in the accident.
Destiny Gonzales, age 22, was arrested and released on a summons for the following charges:
Reckless driving.
Operated vehicle with unsafe tires.
Failure to notify police of an accident.
Failure to give aid/information after damaging another vehicle.
The Grand Junction Police Department considers this to be an isolated incident. The crash is currently being investigated by the GJPD.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
