YouTuber Andrew Cross, 36, dies month after ‘horrific’ car crash

A popular YouTuber who was fighting for his life following a “horrific” crash that left him with a severe brain injury has died.

A popular American travel influencer died one month after he sustained a serious brain injury in a “horrific” car accident, his family announced. He was 36.

Andrew Cross, who was known as “Desert Drifter” to hundreds of thousands of fans on social media, was involved in a car crash on January 31.

The Virginia-born YouTube star suffered a traumatic brain injury and immediately underwent surgery upon arrival at the ER but was left reliant on life support.

But on Tuesday, four weeks after the incident, the popular vlogger passed away surrounded by friends, family and the hospital staff after his loved ones made the “difficult decision” to end his life support, the New York Post reports.

YouTuber Andrew Cross, 36, has died one month after being involved in a ‘horrific’ car crash. Picture: Instagram/across_thewest

“Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light and love,” Cross’ heartbroken sister, Jenna Spooner, wrote on the CaringBridge website this week.

“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.

“Andrew really lived life to the fullest. 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.”

Ms Spooner went on to state that a “life dependent on machines is not what Andrew wants”, revealing that her brother became extremely uncomfortable throughout his hospital care.

She said the YouTube star had showed his discomfort by “grimacing with procedures like brushing his teeth or adjusting his position in bed”.

The Cross family has since raised $US500,000 (almost $800,000 Australian Dollars) on GoFundMe to help support his wife, Evelyn, with medical bills.

His wife Evelyn had revealed on Feb 3 that the YouTuber had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury as a result of the collision. Picture: Instagram/across_thewest

Almost $800,000 has been raised to cover his medical bills. Picture: Instagram/across_thewest

The local coroner’s office in Colorado confirmed to TMZ Wednesday that the influencer had died from injuries sustained in January’s crash.

Evelyn, who married Cross in 2021, told the outlet that he was unable to regain consciousness following the accident.

The other driver has been charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, careless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the New York Post stated.

Cross had amassed more than 700,000 followers on social media and described his content as “exploration and adventure with a historical twist”.

His videos typically documented desert tours and mountain climbs.

The social media star’s final video was on February 2 and was shared by his wife who updated fans on his condition following the crash.

“We’re so grateful to all of you for watching his videos. It’s mind-blowing to us that you want to show up and watch them,” she said in the clip.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as YouTuber Andrew Cross, 36, dies month after ‘horrific’ car crash