TLDR: Three people tied to Pawn Stars have died: Richard “The Old Man” Harrison on June 25, 2018, expert Drew Max on April 7, 2020, and Rick Harrison’s son Adam in January 2024. Rick, Corey and Chumlee are all alive. Checked October 15, 2026.
Fans often search this after hearing a rumor about one of the stars. The confirmed list is short, and it includes one member of the original cast, one on-camera expert and one family member who stayed off screen.
Richard “The Old Man” Harrison (Died June 25, 2018)
Richard Harrison, who co-founded the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop with his son Rick, died at age 77. Rick wrote that his father “passed away this morning,” according to Global News.
He had fought Parkinson’s disease for a long time. The family said he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, and History called him “a beloved member of the History and Pawn Stars family.”
Rick said he lost “a friend, a father, a teacher and so much more.” Our full profile is in what happened to the Old Man on Pawn Stars.
Drew Max (Died April 7, 2020)
Drew Max, the autograph expert who appeared on the show, died at age 59 in the Clark County Detention Center. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that he was held on a misdemeanor DUI charge.
The coroner’s office listed arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic alcoholism and said he died of natural causes. Police said there was no police interaction with him before his death.
His career on the show ended after questions about the autographs he authenticated. Read the rise and fall of Drew Max for that story.
Adam Harrison (Died January 2024)
Adam Harrison, Rick Harrison’s son, died in January 2024 at age 39. News of his death broke on January 20, 2024, per KOLD.
People reported the cause as a fentanyl overdose, per Live 5 News.
Family representative Laura Herlovich confirmed the death and said, “Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam. We ask for privacy as we grieve his loss.”
Adam was the second son of Rick and his first wife, Kim, and his older brother is Corey Harrison. He did not appear on the show.
Rick shared a photo of the two of them and wrote, “You will always be in my heart. I love you Adam.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, the SAMHSA National Helpline is free and open 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357.
Cast Members Who Are Still Alive
Rick Harrison is alive. His family confirmed on September 4, 2026, that he had emergency bypass surgery, and a spokesperson said he was expected to make a full recovery, per Gray News.
Corey Harrison is alive. He broke 11 ribs in a motorcycle crash in Tulum, Mexico, in January 2026, and you can read more in our Corey Harrison update.
Austin “Chumlee” Russell is alive and co-hosts a podcast with Rick. See our Chumlee profile for what he has been doing.
A Note on Other Pages
Some pages and videos claim other cast or expert deaths. We found no credible report of any besides the three above, and the cast overview on our Pawn Stars cast page lists the full roster.
Pawn Stars Deaths: Frequently Asked Questions
Who died on Pawn Stars?
Richard “The Old Man” Harrison died on June 25, 2018, at age 77. Expert Drew Max died on April 7, 2020, at age 59, and Rick Harrison’s son Adam died in January 2024 at age 39.
How did the Old Man from Pawn Stars die?
He died of Parkinson’s disease, which he had fought for a long time. Rick Harrison announced his death on June 25, 2018.
How did Rick Harrison’s son Adam die?
People reported that Adam died of a fentanyl overdose. He was 39, and the news broke on January 20, 2024.
How did Drew Max die?
The coroner’s office listed arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic alcoholism as the cause. He died in the Clark County Detention Center while held on a misdemeanor DUI charge.
Is Rick Harrison dead?
No. Rick had emergency bypass surgery on September 4, 2026, and a spokesperson said he was expected to make a full recovery.
Is Corey Harrison dead?
No. He survived a serious motorcycle crash in Tulum, Mexico, in January 2026.
Is Chumlee dead?
No. Austin “Chumlee” Russell is alive and co-hosts a podcast with Rick Harrison.
