Rick Harrison has confirmed his son Adam's cause of death after he sadly passed away last week.
TMZ reported on Friday (January 19) that Adam Harrison - the son of History's Pawn Stars frontman - tragically died in Las Vegas at the young age of 39.
At the time, the circumstances surrounding the sudden passing were unclear, with The Las Vegas Metro Police Department disclosing that they were investigating the case.
The Harrison family issued a statement expressing their profound sorrow, which read: "Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam. We ask for privacy as we grieve his loss."
It was reported that Adam died following a suspected drug overdose, according to the Harrison family spokesperson Laura Herlovich, reported by the Associated Press. Herlovich added that she did not know where he passed away or what substance he overdosed on.
Now, it has been disclosed to TMZ through the 58-year-old reality TV star's representative that Adam tragically died from a fentanyl overdose as she added: "Yes, I can confirm Adam died from a fentanyl overdose."
"The fentanyl crisis in this country must be taken more seriously. It seems it is just flowing over the borders and nothing is being done about it. We must do better," Rick added in the statement.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the CDC, and is a major contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses in the US.
It is often added to other illegal drugs to make them stronger and more addictive but is extremely dangerous as users can easily end up taking fatal quantities while unaware the drugs they are taking contain fentanyl.
Adam was the second child of the television personality and his ex-wife, Kim. He is the younger brother of Corey Harrison. Rick later married his second wife, Tracy, and the couple welcomed one son, Jake.
The late son was not on History Channel's unscripted series - which stars Rick and Corey and shows them run the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on the Las Vegas strip.
Adam reportedly chose to live a life outside of the public eye. Although he had an Instagram page, he never posted on it and rarely made appearances on his famous father’s account.
After news of his son's death circulated online, Rick took to his Instagram page to pay tribute, writing: "You will always be in my heart! I love you, Adam," alongside the broken heart emoji.
In the photo, both men were at a restaurant and grinned at the camera while seemingly enjoying a plate of oysters and some beer. Adam looked laidback in a black T-shirt and a silver necklace, while Rick sported a blue shirt with a pair of sunglasses in his front pocket.
The comment section has been inundated with condolences from followers, such as Donald Trump Jr who wrote: "I’m so sorry man," and actor Emilio Riveria who shared: "Rest in Peace. My Condolences to You and the Familia."
Corey, 40, also posted a throwback picture of himself and his younger brother playing in the bath as toddlers, penning in the caption: "Wax wtf I will always love you bubba."
Our thoughts continue to be with Adam's family, friends, and loved ones at this time.
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please reach out for help and contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or go to https://findtreatment.gov/