Andrew Robert Angstead

Andrew R. Angstead – Forever in Our Hearts 

Andrew Robert Angstead, 31, died April 4 at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC, from injuries sustained in an accident the night before. Drew was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in Asheville, where he lived. He went on to save another’s life through organ donation. 

Though Drew walked a path few could imagine, living much of his life without a permanent home, he carried within him a wealth far greater than possessions — a heart overflowing with generosity, compassion and unwavering faith. He shared what little he had with those in need, often giving away all that he owned to someone he deemed less fortunate than he.

Drew found joy in reading and writing, studying scripture, encouraging strangers, hiking, admiring nature, gardening, collecting and delivering blankets to others on the street, and participating with enthusiasm in organizations focused on building community and creating a better world. Drew devoured books in his hunger to learn and grow — carrying multiple at all times — as he found quiet comfort in deep philosophical thought.

“The news of Drew's death broke a lot of hearts at Central United Methodist Church,” says Rev. Dr. Mary Brown, senior pastor at the church in Asheville. “He was a special part of our church family. He was one of us. He was smart, thoughtful, and kind, and his presence made our congregation a little more Christ-like.”

Drew was a regular at the church on Sundays and in the church offices during the weekdays. He attended Sunday School classes and prayer groups and was often found drinking coffee and reading or meditating in a quiet space. He also attended several other churches in Asheville.

“As much as Drew fit in with us at Central UMC, his mental and emotional struggles kept him from finding his place in this world,” Rev. Brown says. “Although I, personally, am grieved by his loss, I am also comforted to know that he is now feeling the peace he longed for in this life.”

Born Sept. 9, 1994, Drew lived a big life in his 31 years. His story is a living testimony that God’s love is not bound by circumstance and that dignity and kindness can flourish anywhere. He was deliberate in how he reflected on everything he lived, learned, and experienced — capturing his adventures, beliefs, and intentions for growth through his devotion to journaling. His words, captured across hundreds of spiral notebooks, were deeply thoughtful and poetic.

“He had big ideas, was brave, creative, resourceful, and so smart — often beyond what I could even comprehend,” his sister, Laurel Uballez, wrote. “The things he’s learned, seen and done would make an incredible documentary.”

His search for a community where he could feel at peace led him to explore Hawaii, California, Texas, Vermont, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, Washington, and North Carolina (and possibly others). Wherever Drew landed, he sought out connection — whether through a faith community or others committed to creating a better world.

People were drawn to something unmistakably special in Drew, and they showed up for him in meaningful ways. They offered shelter, meals, clothing, friendship, transportation, showers, coffee, a phone, a bicycle, a place to do laundry, storage for his belongings, a mailing address, help finding work, and more. They helped him continue forward when life felt uncertain. Because of them, Drew experienced moments of belonging, found strength in difficult seasons, and built the stability to contribute to his community. His journey was marked by extraordinary kindness from people who owed him nothing — but recognized something in him that was worth showing up for. 

Drew is survived by his mother, Debra Beckman, and her husband, Ron Beckman, Olathe, KS; his father, Robert Angstead, Brookfield, MO; his sister, Laurel Uballez, and her husband, David Uballez, St. Petersburg, FL; loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews. He touched the lives of countless people with whom he shared his positive disposition, his powerful faith and his passion for life. Drew’s radiant smile and vibrant blue eyes were his secret weapon to brighten the day of any stranger he passed, although he never really knew a stranger but rather considered everyone a child of God.

“Please, somebody, make me a sundial when I die,” Drew writes in his journal. “I was much like a sundial today, lounging in the trees of this park on the soft pine needles. Now, their shadows are getting long towards the east.” He elaborated to a close friend that he wanted “one that kids can chill and study and chase the shade under.”

Details for plans to honor Drew, with sundials and otherwise, will follow on social media in the days to come. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Drew’s memory.

If you have memories of Drew or stories about his journey, please share them via email by sending them to HonoringDrew@gmail.com .

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