YouTuber Andrew Cross dies aged 36 after being taken off life support

YouTuber Andrew Cross smiles alongside his wife Evelyn, and a picture of him alone in front o orange sunlight — Online adventure content creator and YouTube star Andrew Cross has died (Picture: Instagram/Andrew Cross/@across_thewest)

YouTube star Andrew Cross has died aged 36 after a car accident.

The outdoor adventure content creator was taken off life support on Tuesday, over a month after he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a road collision and fell into a coma on January 31.

Cross’s sister Jenna shared the news online as she revealed his ‘spirit [was] free, surrounded by light & love’.

Writing an update for friends, family and fans on a CaringBridge site, she added: ‘It was peaceful and full of love in the room with Evelyn by his side, his parents and close friends nearby.

‘It’s a big loss for all of us, and we’re immensely grateful for your steadfast support and prayers.’

She also shared that ‘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 honour him’.

Andrew Cross known as the 'Desert Drifter' of the 'Across The West' social media account dies as result of injuries suffered Jan 31 - pics from his IG — Cross’s life support was switched off by his family on Tuesday, following a car accident in January (Picture: Instagram/Andrew Cross)

‘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.

‘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.

‘We look forward to more of that as we honour a life well lived.’

A GoFundMe page for the family to help cover medical expenses for the creator – known as Desert Drifter to his 474,000 YouTube subscribers has reached $488,967 (£379,147) in donations so far.

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Cross’s content was described as ‘exploration and adventure with a historical twist’ on his YouTube bio, and the online star had shared videos from the Rocky Mountains and several ancient and archaeological sites, with some racking up as many as 3.5million views.

His wife Evelyn had first told Cross’s friends and followers of his situation, appearing in a video posted to social media shortly after his accident.

‘I just wanted to get on here and share and ask for your love, your prayers and support,’ she began.

‘Friday night Andrew was in a really bad accident and he is currently in the intensive care unit, fighting for his life from a really severe brain injury.’

According to TMZ, the investigation of the Mesa County Coroner’s Office in Colorado revealed Cross had died from injuries sustained in a two-car accident on January 31, when he was rear-ended at high speed while waiting at a stoplight.

After being rushed to hospital, he immediately underwent brain surgery to try and control bleeding on his brain.

The driver of the other vehicle, Ragnar Nickolas Kristl, 37, has been charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, careless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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