The Tragic Losses: What Happened To The Pawn Stars Cast Members Who Passed Away?

The world of reality television was shaken by multiple heartbreaking losses connected to the beloved History Channel series, Pawn Stars, with the most recent tragedy occurring in early 2024. The show, which chronicles the daily operations of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, has always been centered on family, making the passing of key figures particularly devastating for fans. As of this current date, December 12, 2025, the conversation remains focused on the enduring legacy of the patriarch, Richard "The Old Man" Harrison, and the tragic, untimely death of Rick Harrison’s son, Adam Harrison, which brought the reality of the opioid crisis directly to the Harrison family’s doorstep.

This article provides an in-depth look at the lives and deaths of the individuals associated with the show, offering the most updated information on the circumstances surrounding their passing, the family’s tributes, and how their absence has shaped the ongoing narrative of the iconic Las Vegas pawn business.

Richard 'The Old Man' Harrison: A Full Biography and Enduring Legacy

Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr., famously known as "The Old Man" on Pawn Stars, was the quiet, often grumpy, but deeply respected patriarch of the Harrison family business. His presence was the foundation of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop and the show itself. His death in 2018 marked the first major loss for the cast and left an irreplaceable void.

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Here is a detailed look at the life and career of the legendary Richard Harrison:

• Full Name: Richard Benjamin Harrison Jr.
• Nickname: "The Old Man" or "The Appraiser."
• Born: March 4, 1941, in Danville, Virginia.
• Died: June 25, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Age at Death: 77 years old.
• Cause of Death: Complications from Parkinson's disease.
• Military Service: Served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, achieving the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He served two hitches, initially joining after dropping out of high school.
• Business Foundation: After leaving the Navy, Harrison and his wife, JoAnne, moved the family to Las Vegas in 1981. He opened the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in 1988 with his son, Rick Harrison.
• Television Career: He was a main cast member on Pawn Stars from its debut in 2009 until his retirement in 2017. His dry wit and extensive knowledge of history and antiques made him a fan favorite.
• Family: Survived by his wife, JoAnne, and his sons, Rick and Corey Harrison (though Corey is his grandson, he was a major part of the show).

Richard Harrison’s battle with Parkinson's disease was largely kept private during his final years, though he had stopped appearing regularly on the show prior to his passing. His son, Rick Harrison, confirmed the news with an emotional tribute, calling him his "hero" and a "friend, a father, a teacher and so much more." The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop continues to honor his memory, with his presence still felt in every episode of the show.

The Tragic Loss of Adam Harrison: The Latest Update in 2024

The most recent and shocking news to impact the Pawn Stars family was the death of Adam Harrison, one of Rick Harrison’s three sons, in January 2024. While Adam was not a regular cast member like his brother Corey Harrison, his connection to the family and the business made his passing a major news event, bringing a wave of fresh grief to the Harrison family.

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Adam Harrison was 39 years old at the time of his death. He reportedly worked at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop for a period before the show became a global phenomenon, but later pursued other endeavors. The circumstances of his death were particularly tragic and shed light on a national crisis.

Accidental Fentanyl Overdose Confirmed

Following an investigation, the official cause of Adam Harrison's death was determined to be an accidental overdose. Rick Harrison publicly confirmed that his son died from a fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been at the center of a devastating drug epidemic across the United States, and Adam's death served as a stark, high-profile reminder of its dangers.

Rick Harrison used the tragedy to speak out, expressing his deep sorrow and highlighting the urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis. He described the pain of losing a child and emphasized that fentanyl is a widespread issue that has taken countless lives, regardless of background or status. The family’s transparency about the cause of death was seen by many as a powerful, albeit painful, public service announcement.

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The loss of Adam Harrison in 2024 was a fresh wound for the family, coming years after the death of the patriarch. The outpouring of support from fans and fellow reality TV stars was immediate, recognizing the immense sorrow of a father losing his son.

The Harrison Family's Year of Grief: Tributes and Other Losses

The period following Adam's death in early 2024 was marked by a series of difficult losses for the Harrison family, underscoring a period of profound grief for Rick Harrison, in particular. The family has had to lean on each other and the support of the Pawn Stars community to navigate these challenging times.

JoAnne Harrison’s Passing

In a further wave of sadness, Rick Harrison’s mother and Richard "The Old Man" Harrison’s widow, JoAnne Harrison, also passed away in early 2024 at the age of 85. JoAnne was not a regular fixture on the reality show but was the matriarch of the family and a co-founder of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, having moved with Richard to Las Vegas to start the business. Her death, shortly after her grandson Adam's, compounded the family’s sorrow.

The family confirmed her passing in a Las Vegas hospital. While a specific cause of death was not disclosed, her passing at 85 was a natural end to a life dedicated to her family and their business. The loss of both a son and a mother in quick succession made 2024 an incredibly difficult year for Rick Harrison and his remaining family, including his other son, Corey Harrison.

The Enduring Legacy of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop

Despite the personal tragedies, the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop continues to operate as the centerpiece of the Pawn Stars television series. The show, which began in 2009, has become a global phenomenon, bringing the niche world of pawnbroking and historical artifacts to millions. The core cast members—Rick Harrison and Corey Harrison—have continued to film, often referencing the lessons and wisdom passed down by Richard "The Old Man" Harrison.

The show itself has become a tribute, a living monument to the family’s history and resilience. The topical authority of Pawn Stars lies not just in the rare items they appraise but in the genuine, often turbulent, relationships of the Harrison family. The deaths of Richard and Adam Harrison have added a poignant layer to the narrative, reminding viewers that even reality television stars face real-world heartbreak.

The family's decision to share their grief, particularly Rick Harrison's candid discussion of the fentanyl crisis following Adam's death, has cemented their place not just as television personalities, but as a family navigating profound loss in the public eye. Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of a family business and the lasting impact of those who have passed away.