Rick Harrison, the star of the popular reality TV show Pawn Stars, has broken his silence following the sudden and tragic death of his son, Adam Harrison, at the age of 39. The heartbreaking loss has left the family deeply devastated. Rick took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his son, expressing his love and grief in a post that has garnered an outpouring of support from fans and friends alike.
“Adam, you will always be in my heart! I love you,” Rick captioned a photo of himself and Adam smiling together at a bar, a rare public moment between father and son. The loss has sent shockwaves through the family, with those close to the Harrisons mourning the unexpected passing.
Adam, who died from an overdose in Las Vegas on a Friday, had struggled privately in his life. His death was confirmed to the Las Vegas Review-Journal by the family’s representative, Laura Herlovich, who issued a brief statement on their behalf. “Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam,” Herlovich stated. “We ask for privacy as we grieve his loss.”
In an emotional interview with Fox News Digital, Rick Harrison spoke more candidly about the circumstances surrounding his son’s death, revealing that a fentanyl overdose was the cause. “Yes, I can confirm Adam died from a fentanyl overdose,” Rick shared, adding his own thoughts on the severity of the fentanyl crisis plaguing the nation. “The fentanyl crisis in this country must be taken more seriously. It seems to be flowing over the borders with nothing being done about it. We must do better.”
Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has become a major public health crisis in the United States in recent years, with overdose deaths spiking across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl have increased by a staggering 56.6% from January 2020 to January 2021 alone. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance, noting that it is similar to morphine but approximately 100 times more potent. In fact, even as little as two milligrams—an amount smaller than a grain of salt—can be fatal, depending on the individual.
Adam Harrison’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fentanyl and the ongoing opioid epidemic that continues to claim lives across the United States. Rick, deeply affected by his son’s passing, has called for more action to be taken to address this crisis, urging authorities and citizens alike to pay closer attention to the issue and push for solutions to prevent more lives from being lost.
Adam’s brother, Corey Harrison, who also stars alongside their father on Pawn Stars, shared his own tribute on social media. Corey posted a touching photo of himself and Adam as children, sitting together in a bathtub, captioning it, “Wax, wtf, I will always love you, bubba.” The image brought back memories of their childhood, highlighting the bond they shared, even though Adam wasn’t as publicly involved in the family business as Corey and their father were.
Adam Harrison was Rick’s second child from his first marriage to Kim Harrison. While Adam didn’t have a major role in running the family’s Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, he was reported to have worked with his father in some capacity behind the scenes. Rick later remarried and had another son, Jake, with his second wife. While viewers of the show often saw Rick and Corey front and center, Adam maintained a more private life, which made his sudden passing even more shocking to those who knew him only through his father’s fame.
Fans of Pawn Stars, as well as many of Rick’s celebrity friends, quickly took to social media to express their condolences to the grieving family. One notable tribute came from Donald Trump Jr., who wrote, “I’m so sorry, man,” in response to Rick’s post. The Harrisons have long been popular figures in American pop culture, and the news of Adam’s death has resonated with many, sparking an outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
The fentanyl crisis has impacted countless families across the country, and Rick’s heartbreaking experience is sadly not unique. The deadly drug, which is often mixed with other substances without users’ knowledge, has been responsible for a significant portion of the sharp rise in overdose deaths. As Rick continues to grieve the loss of his son, he is also using his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, hoping that by speaking out, others might be spared the pain his family is currently enduring.
The Harrison family is now navigating an unimaginable loss. As they request privacy during this difficult time, their fans and friends have shown an immense amount of support, sending thoughts and prayers to the family as they cope with their grief. The tragedy of Adam’s death serves as a solemn reminder of the pervasive dangers of fentanyl, and Rick’s call for action reflects the urgency with which the country must confront this devastating crisis.
