Key Takeaways
- His wife, Evelyn Cross, shared an emotional video message asking for prayers and support.
- Hannah Schweitzer created a GoFundMe page to help the Cross family with medical and daily expenses.
- Andrew is the creator of Desert Drifter, a YouTube channel dedicated to outdoor adventures.
Andrew Cross, a well-known guide and content creator on YouTube, was involved in a terrible car accident on January 31, 2025.
Following the news, the community of Flagstaff, Arizona, along with his family and friends, has been deeply saddened.
His wife, Evelyn Cross, shared an emotional video message, thanking everyone for their support and asking for prayers.
She revealed that Andrew suffered a severe brain injury in the accident on Friday night and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit, fighting for his life.
She expressed how much the community has meant to them over the past year and shared that Andrew would want everyone to be informed.
Following the accident, one of Andrew’s friends posted:
Our dearest friend Andrew Cross was in a life threatening car accident Friday evening. He has suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and the extent of his injuries is unclear at this time. He is in the ICU surrounded by so much love, support, and bold prayer. We are praying for a miracle and know our God is capable of anything. Please join us in prayer, it takes a village. Please consider donating below. ❤️
Via Facebook
Another post from “The Desert Way with Jaylyn and John” on Facebook stated:
A third post read:
I just discovered the YouTube page “Desert Drifter” tonight. The man featured in the videos is Andrew Cross. I greatly admire his experience in the Southwest Desert discovering New History (if that isn’t irony, I don’t know what is.) Andrew is now fighting for his life due to a auto accident. I am including a GoFundMe link for him, and I would like to ask for your prayers for Andrew and his wife Evelyn. If you can share Andrew’s situation, I’m sure they would appreciate it.
Via Facebook
Moreover, Hannah Schweitzer created a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses and daily needs for the Cross family.
Thanks to the community’s generosity, the initial $8,000 goal has already been met, and donations continue to pour in to support the Cross family during this difficult time.
Andrew Cross has built an extensive career in outdoor adventures and guiding.
He was the former owner and operator of Restoration Surf Inc. from 2017 to 2019 and later worked as a field guide at Legacy Outdoor Adventures.
Since 2020, he has been a field instructor at Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries (SROM), where he leads life-changing wilderness adventures.
More recently, on March 21, 2023, he joined All-Star Grand Canyon Tours and Wildland Trekking as a guide, sharing his deep knowledge and love for nature with others.
He is also the creator of Desert Drifter, a YouTube channel that focuses on exploration and adventure with a historical twist.
The channel features immersive journeys into remote areas of the American Southwest, where Andrew uncovers hidden ancient ruins, desert oases, and breathtaking landscapes.
As Andrew remains in the ICU, the community stands together in hope and prayer for his recovery.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Andrew Cross is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was born to his father, Lyle Cross, and has a sister, Jenna Spooner.
- For his education, he attended Stafford Senior High School, graduating in 2007, followed by Virginia Tech, where he graduated in 2011. He later continued his studies at Regent University, graduating in 2015.
- He married his wife, Evelyn Cross, on June 20, 2021. Evelyn works as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).
I’m praying for you brother our Lord is able to do anything.
Thank you please keep us posted. Prayers.
Praying for Andrew.
My prayers go out for Andrew Cross of Desert Drifter for a miraculous recovery! I think we have watched every episode at least once!
Was devastated to hear of this accident. We love watching Andrew (& Evelyn) as they trek across desert terrain. Prayers offered multiple times a day for healing & help.
Prayers my brother. Praying for you and peace for you Evelyn. My sister was hit by a car heading to a head trail in Washington State. The right doctor for the head trama and is critical. Will reach out to her for Doc info she saw in LA if interested. So so sorry this has happened.
You are correct, good information.
You are Wonderful and inspirational and so good at what you do in all ways. Thank You for who you are. May the Love of all the Universe be with you in your journey forward . 🙏💜
We are great fans of his adventures and also when you (Evelyn) are with him. This is an unknown territory for Andrew and you and God will be there for you both and for his recovery!
Kat from Oregon
Sending prayers and best wishes.
Prayers and love sent your way. You are a great Man and we watch you every day. Please stay strong and do not give up. We all need you! Evelyn more than anyone! 🥹🙏❤️
Calling on the Name Jesus Christ for healing, for life is the very best thing we can do for you, Andrew.
I watch all your videos and appreciate your commitment to the history of the Southwest.
Lord Jesus Christ be with you, Andrew.
I was drawn to Andrews channel by the clear video of the sweeping SW landscape. His gentle nature has shone through, and as a Christian myself, I enjoy spending time in Andrews presence, and sharing his visual adventures with my loved ones. My prayers are intently with Andrew for healing, and his lovely spouse, to bear up under this trial. I’m pleased she has support. May God bring much fruit from this, I belive Andrews mission is much larger than we knew.
Praying for a MIRACLE!
Strength and healing to Evelyn and the families!
Numbers 6: 24-26
Gave $ to GoFundMe
Father I am an avid watcher of Andrew and his journeys and would appreciate his complete healing healed! In the mighty name of my lord and savior Jesus the Christ of Nazareth , I thank you FatherAndrew as you know is a gem and entertains a multitude of us with his exploration’s I look forward to meeting him bless him Father and speed his healing Jesus bless you lord it is done…
Comfort and rest in the arms of the One who loved us so much He gave His son for us- He is able. Look and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened… prayers for continued strength and healing. Lord make a way, where we don’t see it.
Thoughts and prayers with Andrew, Evelyn and family. …. may God offer comfort to you during these hard times
Your videos are outstanding with beauty and history and your narration is the “icing on the cake”
Dear God,
As you know I had my faith shaken five years ago and gave up on a lot of things uniquely me.
But I started watching Dessert Drifter a year ago and in my despair and loneliness found this gentle hearted young man to be part of giving me a renewed inspiration and passion for our American Backcountry and from there my spirit was lifting again. So I want to rise above my own grief and material world to please beg you to put this amazing kid in your loving hands and heal him for his wife and for the other worldly souls positively affected by his sweet adventurous spirit. This world needs him Dear Lord. Thank you, Amen.