The Colorado-based creator, who was known as ‘Desert Drifter’ online, sustained a traumatic brain injury on Jan. 31

Andrew Cross. Photo:Andrew Cross/Instagram

YouTuber and outdoor adventure guide Andrew Cross was taken off life support on March 4, several weeks after he sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident on Jan. 31.

His sister, Jenna, announced the news of his death on a CaringBridge site organized to update family, friends and fans on the condition of the social media star, who was known as “Desert Drifter” online.

“Hi friends, Andrew’s spirit is free, surrounded by light & love,” she began in her post, adding that his death was “peaceful and full of love,” with his parents, close friends and wife, Evelyn, in the room at the time.

Andrew Cross. Andrew Cross/Instagram

“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 honor him,” Jenna continued. “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 her thanks for their community’s “steadfast support and prayers” amid his death.

“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,” Jenna’s update concluded. “We look forward to more of that as we honor a life well lived.”

Andrew Cross. Andrew Cross/Instagram

At the time of his death, a GoFundMe page to help with the Cross family’s medical expenses reached $479,491 in donations.

Tara Winter, a friend of the Colorado-based creator, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on March 5, writing that Cross was “one of the best people I’ve ever known.”

Winter continued, “He was genuine, selfless, and had a deep love for God and everyone he met. Just being around him made you love him.”