'Pawn Stars' frontman Rick Harrison and family issue statement following death of son Adam

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By stefan armitage

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Warning: This article contains information that some readers may find upsetting. 

Following the heartbreaking news that the son of Pawn Stars icon Rick Harrison, Adam Harrison, has passed away, the grieving family has issued a statement.

The news of Adam's untimely death was first reported by TMZ on Friday (January 19). Details surrounding the exact circumstances and timing of his passing remain undisclosed at this time, leaving many questions unanswered.

The outlet is currently reporting that Adam died at the age of 39 due to an overdose.

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Rick Harrison and his family have issued a statement following Adam's death. Credit: Frazer Harrison / Getty

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department is currently investigating the case.

Harrison's representative, Laura Herlovich, confirmed the cause of Adam's death, and shared the following statement from the family:

"Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam. We ask for privacy as we grieve his loss."

Rick has also shared a photo with Adam to his Instagram page.

In a caption to his 846,000 followers, the grieving father wrote: "You will always be in my heart! I love you Adam."

Adam was Rick's second child and maintained a private life, rarely making appearances on the reality series or having a social media presence. While he had initially helped out at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop - which famously features on the History Channel's Pawn Stars - he eventually pursued his own path, stepping away from the family business.

Despite the show's popularity, spanning 22 seasons since its debut in 2009, Adam was not prominently featured in the series. There are currently conflicting reports about his chosen profession, including claims that he worked as a plumber.

Adam's older brother, Corey Harrison, aged 40, does play a central role in the reality show. Rick shares Corey with his first wife, Kim, whom he was married to from 1982 to 1985. The family also includes a half-brother named Jake, who Rick shares with his second wife, Tracy, from their marriage lasting from 1986 to 2011. Jake has also made appearances on Pawn Stars.

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Rick shared a photo of his late son to Instagram. Credit: Gabe Ginsberg / Getty

Rick has been married four times throughout his life - including his union with Deanna Burditt from 2013 to 2020, followed by his marriage to Amanda Palmer in 2021.

The World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, featured prominently in the reality show, is a family-owned business that was established in Las Vegas in 1989, becoming a significant part of the Harrisons' lives and their rise to fame - as well as popular culture in the US.

The 23rd season of the beloved series is set to premiere later this year.

Our thoughts are 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/

Featured image credit: Isaac Brekken/BBMA2016 / Getty