Andrew Martin Cross
Andrew Martin Cross-March 4, 2025
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Andrew Martin Cross of Grand Junction, Colorado. He went to be with the Lord surrounded by family and friends, about a month after suffering a severe brain trauma. While taken from us too soon, in his 36 years, Andrew lived more life than many get to experience. He was a man of great integrity with an adventurous, playful, and wise spirit.
As the son of a U.S. Marine, he moved frequently in his early years, developing a love for God, history, and the outdoors. Andrew was a graduate of Staford High School, Virginia, and Virginia Polytechnic University. He received his Masters of Divinity from Regent University, Virginia, in 2015 and was ordained. He pastored the youth at Beach Fellowship Church in Virginia Beach for nearly 6 years.
Andrew then moved west and became a wilderness guide, helping others find purpose and connection in the outdoors. He served at Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries in Laramie, Wyoming and Legacy Treatment Center in Loa, Utah. Andrew found who he called his “puzzle piece” and “best good friend” Evelyn Rakowsky, marrying in 2021. The couple moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where he guided for All-Star Grand Canyon Tours and Wildland Trekking in Yellowstone National Park. During their time in Flagstaff, they were blessed by the beautiful community that was rooted in their attendance of Bridge Church. In 2023, the couple moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where Andrew became a ski instructor at Telluride Ski Resort and a guide for Sand and Stars Touring in Moab, Utah. The couple attended Canyon View Vineyard Church but quickly grew a community in Grand Junction that spanned across various corners of the Grand Valley.
In late 2023, Andrew began his YouTube channel @Desert.Drifter, exploring the rugged beauty and history of the West. It quickly grew in popularity, with over 474,000 subscribers at the time of his passing. Through his YouTube channel, Andrew made an impact around the world with his genuine awe and respect for the natural world, and his deep faith, which he lived by daily.
Andrew’s memory is carried on by his wife Evelyn, parents Lyle and Linda Cross, sister Jenna and brother-in-law Mike Spooner.
Contributions in Andrew’s honor may be made to:
Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries (https://srom.org/donate/honor-andrew-cross/)
Platform to Table (https://www.platformtotable.com/)
We send love and our condolences to you and your family and friends. Way to soon he will truly be miss . God Speed !
I started watching Andrews videos and subscribed to his channel before I learned of his passing. I do believe he was a very special person and am very sad that he is gone. His knowledge and interest in ancient people and his way of explaining and educating about it was exceptional. I pray for his wife that she can heal and enjoy life. In part due to watching Andrew, my wife and I are heading to West Texas, New Mexico and Utah to view some ancient sites ourselves. Our prayers are with you.
Oh my heart is just broken as I’ve just learned of Andrew’s death. My heart aches for his dear wife and family. I had so come to love watching his videos on YouTube as he adventured his way across the Southwest enjoying and embracing God’s wonders and loving the paths of those who came before. What a wonderful soul, and a light unto the world. Why is it that it is the best among us that are always snatched away too soon? Such a hole is left in the entire fabric of the world now…. And for generations to come. He was such a light way beyond what he ever imagined…. Until we meet again in the World made new, Andrew, where there will be nor more pain, nor sorrow nor death… May the Lord hold you (and your family) in the palm of His hands….