?? Update from Terra (May 2025)
This blog post was written when Andrew Cross—Desert Drifter—was still fighting for his life. I haven’t been able to revisit it until now. I didn’t know Andrew personally, but like many of you, I welcomed his presence into my home through his videos. His calm spirit, deep reverence for history, and love for wild places made him a quiet force of light in a noisy world.

It is with deep sadness that I share Andrew has since passed away. I mourned his loss privately for a while, and only recently found the strength to revisit this space after someone kindly interacted with the post. I realize now that this page deserves the update—because Andrew’s work still touches people, and his light still lingers.

Thank you for reading, for remembering, and for honoring his legacy with me. I’m sorry this update came slowly, but it comes with love.

Andrew Cross, known to many as Desert Drifter, has captured our hearts through his breathtaking explorations of the American Southwest. His journeys into ancient ruins, hidden canyons, and remote landscapes have brought stories of history and humanity to life. One video that resonated with me is I Found Something Apocalyptic on Google Earth by thePOVchannel, dedicated to Andrew. It showcases a massive canyon on the side of a volcano in the Pacific Ocean, highlighting the history of native Hawaiian people. The creator pledged 100% of the ad revenue from this video to Andrew’s GoFundMe, demonstrating the strength of the community Andrew has built around his channel.

Today, Andrew needs our help. While returning from filming at Bears Ears National Monument, Andrew was involved in a serious car accident in Flagstaff, Arizona. He sustained a traumatic brain injury and remains in critical condition after emergency brain surgery. His road to recovery is uncertain, and his family faces mounting medical expenses.

I first celebrated Andrew’s work on CherryCoBiz because his content resonated deeply with me. His gentle presence and passion for storytelling made every video an immersive experience. I learned of his accident while I was in the hospital myself, through a kind reader who commented on my original post about Desert Drifter. It reminded me how connected we all are and how much we can support one another in times of need.

Andrew’s wife, Evelyn, has been sharing updates on CaringBridge, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help with medical costs, food, and other expenses. If you’ve ever found joy, peace, or inspiration from Andrew’s videos, now is the time to give back.

Please consider donating to Support the Crosses with Medical Expenses. Every contribution matters, and even if you can’t donate, watching and sharing Andrew’s videos on his YouTube channel, leaving supportive comments, and spreading the word can make a difference.

Andrew’s story isn’t just about the places he explores; it’s about the stories he uncovers and the community he has built. Let’s come together to support him during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity.