Andrew Cross, ‘Desert Drifter’ YouTuber, Fights For His Life After Car Accident

Quick Summary

• Andrew Cross, the creator behind Desert Drifter, had a serious car accident while sitting at a red light.
• He sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and is currently in the ICU.
• His wife, Evelyn, created a CaringBridge website for those wishing to offer support or donations.

Andrew Cross, the professional guide and YouTuber behind “Desert Drifter,” was involved in a serious car accident on January 31, 2025.

His accident occurred at the intersection of 1st and North in Grand Junction.

At that time, Andrew was sitting at a red light on his way home from work in Utah when another driver, whose bl*od alcohol level was four times over the legal limit, rear-ended him.

On February 1, his wife, Evelyn Rakowsky, shared an emotional video on the channel, thanking everyone for their support and requesting prayers for Andrew’s recovery.

In the video, Evelyn revealed that Andrew had sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in the accident on Friday night and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit, fighting for his life. She added:

This community has really really mean a lot to him and to both of us over the last year and I know that he would want all of you to to know this um and I think many of you know that we’re Christians and so we really really believe um in the power of prayer and that God is going to work through this tragedy and so um for those of you who feel comfortable praying um for him please please pray for him um for those of you who feel comfortable sending good thoughts please send those too.

Via YouTube

In addition to this, the Facebook page “Backcountry Overland” wrote:

Outdoor friends and family. I don’t know who knows of, or follows, youtuber Andrew Cross, aka: “Desert Drifter”, but I for one am a huge fan and follow regularly. His videos are amazing and he spends a lot of time in many of the same places I visit, in the desert & rocky mountain southwest. Sadly, Andrew is fighting for his life right now. His wife Evelyn has reached out to us all (his followers), to keep us updated. There is a Caring Bridge update page, and a Go fund Me set up to help them in this tough time. There is a link to Caring Bridge in Evelyn’s message she put on his youtube channel yesterday. Please help if you can, and keep them in your thoughts. Jim / BCO

Via Facebook

Another fan wrote:

This is one of my favorite YouTubers, and has brought me countless hours of enjoyment living vicariously through his adventures. Sending massive healing prayers/energy/et al his way, as well as pitching in what I can to the GoFundMe. I encourage you to check out Desert Drifter on YouTube for his wonderful content. These are good people. He was in a car accident and severely injured.

Via Facebook

The Facebook page “The Desert Way with Jaylyn and John” also shared:

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A GoFundMe page has been set up by Hannah Schweitzer on behalf of Evelyn to assist with medical expenses.

The community has been incredibly supportive, raising $144K out of the $190K goal, with more donations pouring in.

Community members have shared their heartfelt support for the couple during this difficult time.

One wrote:

Andrew & Evelyn are part of our family. Such wholesome, caring, fun and funny, people. My wife and I regularly have a in-home date night to watch the newest episode of Desert Drifter. He takes us to so many places that we wish we could go personally experience, and does so in such a professional and informative way. We love the silly little interactions when Evelyn joins him in front of the camera. We cannot imagine the worry and helplessness that Evelyn and their families are experiencing right now. We always pray for the safety and health of everyone… we just feel so much more compelled to pray for Andrew’s full, complete, rapid and miraculous recovery, because he is truly a beautiful human that has taken many thousands of his followers on very enriching and wonderful adventures. May God heal his wounds and hold his wife and families through this scary time. We love you Andrew and Evelyn. Matt & Laura, Austin, TX

Via GoFundMe

Another added:

Our prayers are with you both, praying Andrew will make a full recovery and once again take us on amazing adventures in the southwest. We share Andrew’s love of the desert and appreciate his work bringing the beauty of this area into our lives.

Via GoFundMe

Evelyn has also created a CaringBridge website for those who wish to offer support or make donations.

Andrew wed Evelyn Cross on June 20, 2021, and she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP).

The outpouring of love and support from the community has been overwhelming, with countless people coming together to assist the Cross family during this challenging time.

Meet Andrew Cross: A Passionate Outdoor Guide and Creator of ‘Desert Drifter

Andrew Cross, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was born to his father, Lyle Cross, and has a sister, Jenna Spooner, who is the founder of “Litheos Marketing + Design.”

He graduated from Stafford Senior High School in 2007 and attended Virginia Tech, where he earned his degree in 2011.

Later, he pursued further studies at Regent University, graduating in 2015.

After completing his education, Andrew became the owner and operator of Restoration Surf Inc., where he worked from 2017 to 2019.

He then worked as a field guide at Legacy Outdoor Adventures from 2020 to 2022, gaining valuable experience in guiding outdoor expeditions.

Since 2020, he served as a field instructor at Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries (SROM).

In March 2023, he joined All-Star Grand Canyon Tours and Wildland Trekking as a guide, further expanding his work in the outdoor adventure field.

In addition to his guiding roles, Andrew is the creator of “Desert Drifter,” a popular YouTube channel with over 440K subscribers.

The channel focuses on travel and adventure content, particularly exploring the remote areas of the American Southwest.

During his appearance on the Inspire Campfire podcast in 2023, Andrew shared that he had previously served as a youth pastor.

He also revealed that his deep connection to the wilderness grew during a backpacking trip in his mid-20s, which helped shape his passion for outdoor exploration.

While Andrew is still in the ICU, the community remains steadfast, sending prayers and hope for his quick recovery.

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Here’s Something You Didn’t Know

• Andrew Cross is currently residing in Flagstaff, Arizona.

• Andrew Cross accident left the community in deep mourning.