YouTuber 'Desert Drifter' Dead at 36

YouTuber Andrew Cross has died. Cross said his channel, Desert Drifter, offered "Exploration and Adventure with a Historical Twist." He acted as a tour guide and an archaeology professor for his audience. On February 3, Cross' wife Evelyn posted a video to his channel asking for prayers and support. A car accident left him with a brain injury and reliant on life support machines. Sadly, it was determined that he would never recover from his injuries. Andrew Cross was 36 years old.

[juliegale]

I am a 90 year old lady who found Andrew’s videos by accident. They brought me joy to be able to walk by his side which I can no longer do and enjoy my other hobby of learning history. I shall miss him very much.

[AllisonM]

He had a car accident on January 31, 2025, when he was waiting at a stoplight and was rear ended by another vehicle at high speed. The man who hit him, Ragnar Nickolas Kristl, has been charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, careless driving, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

[barrybands]

Andrew was so genuine.. and so respectful of the land and incredibly mindful of the Native American history and culture. Truly one of a kind

[genieharden]

What a horrible loss. He was one of the best things I knew on youtube.

[NancyRickman]

Pretty lame that Inside Edition doesn’t say he was killed by a drunk driver!!

[fiercebone]

R.I.P. Andrew and thanks for taking us along your adventures.

[georgrsanders]

Probably the best offering on YouTube. No schilling for views, no in your face bloviating clickshare antics. Simply a physically fit and skilled adventurer taking me somewhere I will never tread. He showed me sights and sounds that placed me, totally immersed in a remote box canyon somewhere in south Utah holding a pot shard crafted by an ancient artisan. RIP DD.

[lindajohnson]

My heart is broken. He was SO good at his work. I enjoyed every moment. I'm so sorry for all who loved him.

[rosm]

RIP Desert Drifter. Thanks for sharing your adventures with so many. You will be sorely missed.

[ultragroove]

Prayers with his wife and family. He was such a gentle, graceful soul. Really going to miss Andrew and his gifted storytelling. We won’t forget you Desert Drifter. 🙏✝️

[cliff]

I'm so sad. I'm almost 71 and enjoyed Andrew's travels. All my love to his family and fans. I lost my wife in a car accident and his wife has a difficult journey ahead. All my prayers and God's love to you.

[lindamarsden]

Andrew was a special gift to the world. His soft soothing voice, his love of the desert southwest and its history were things I treasured. He made a positive impact on thousands of people. My heart and thoughts are with his surviving family.

[raymondwolken]

I am devastated by the loss of this young man who brought me so much joy and a sense of participation in his journeys. 😢😢

[nak]

R.I.P. and thanks for allowing us to be a small part of your amazing life.

[colleenovo]

So sad. One of my favorite YouTubers. Such a kind man

[JulieSharp-lk]

Such sad news to hear dear Andrew you are sorely missed. From Western Australia it felt like I was right there in the south west of USA. Your scenery was amazing, your knowledge on the history of each place was amazing and your respect for all of it was supreme. My heart goes out to to your dear wife. Rest in Peace young man.

[stustanski]

We will miss him and his videos, Andrew taught hundreds of thousands of people to respect Native American history, objects and places. He was definitely a good dude 🙏🌄

[anotherplanet]

His videos were gorgeously filmed, Nat Geo quality and his dialog was so interesting and informative. His voice was made for narrating and I will continue watching his channel for years to come. What a tragedy that a selfish drunk driver has taken another young life. RIP, Andrew. Condolences to Evelyn and his fam & fans. This is a gut wrenching loss for the world…

[srdonjuan]

What a loss and so young. Not often you come across a person who genuinely does what they love for the benefit of all.

[fasttrack]

I'm devastated at the news. I'm one of the old guys who used Andrews videos to hike the trails that I used to love. I will miss you, my friend. ❤