The Heartbreaking Tragedy of Corey Harrison from Pawn Stars

Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison is one of the most recognizable faces from the hit reality TV show Pawn Stars.

Born on April 27, 1983, in Las Vegas, Corey grew up inside the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, learning the business from his father Rick and his grandfather Richard “Old Man” Harrison.

By the age of nine, he was already behind the counter, developing sharp skills in buying, selling, and negotiating.

When Pawn Stars premiered on the History Channel in 2009, Corey became an instant fan favorite.

His bold personality, fiery arguments with his father, and quick negotiating style made him stand out.

He even played a key role in bringing his childhood friend, Austin “Chumlee” Russell, into the shop, which created one of reality TV’s most beloved duos.

But behind the fame and success, Corey Harrison’s life has been marked by heartbreak, health struggles, and tragedy.

At one point, Corey’s weight skyrocketed to more than 400 pounds.

Doctors warned him he was on the verge of developing life-threatening diabetes.

In 2010, he made a drastic decision—gastric band surgery.

The operation was a turning point.

Corey shed more than 200 pounds, transforming his lifestyle with healthy eating, boxing, and snowboarding.

Fans were stunned by his incredible weight loss journey.

But with that victory came new battles.

In 2014, Corey was involved in a motorcycle accident that shattered his hand.

Doctors had to insert plates and screws to repair the damage.

Though he recovered, the injury was a reminder of how fragile life can be.

Nearly a decade later, in 2023, Corey was arrested in Las Vegas for DUI after failing a field sobriety test.

He insisted that a leg infection and uneven road caused him to stumble during the test.

Still, the police charged him, drawing unwanted media attention to his name.

Corey’s greatest heartbreak came not from his own struggles, but from devastating family losses.

In 2018, his beloved grandfather Richard “Old Man” Harrison passed away at the age of 77 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

The loss left Corey shattered, as his grandfather had been his mentor and the foundation of the family business.

Then, in 2024, tragedy struck again.

Corey’s younger brother Adam Harrison died suddenly at the age of 39.

The cause was an accidental overdose of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Corey shared emotional tributes on social media, mourning his brother and struggling to process the painful reality.

Corey’s personal life has also been complicated.

He has been married twice and divorced twice.

In 2017, he married Karina “Kiki” Harrison, but the couple divorced just one year later.

They remain on good terms, and rumors suggest they may have reconnected.

In 2018, Corey became a father when his son, Richard Benjamin Harrison, was born—named after his late grandfather.

Fatherhood gave him new motivation to keep fighting through life’s challenges.

Over the years, fans have speculated about Corey’s health, with rumors swirling about a possible stroke or other medical emergency.

However, Corey has never confirmed these claims.

He continues to keep much of his private life out of the spotlight, despite living in front of millions of viewers.

Today, Corey remains a vital part of Pawn Stars and its spin-off Pawn Stars: Do America.

Alongside his father Rick and his friend Chumlee, Corey travels the country searching for treasures while still helping to run the Las Vegas pawn shop.

Despite all the hardships—accidents, arrests, health scares, and heartbreaking family deaths—Corey refuses to give up.

He is determined to honor his grandfather’s legacy and keep the Harrison family name alive.

Corey Harrison’s life is a story of resilience.

From childhood behind the counter, to reality TV fame, to devastating personal tragedies, he has lived through highs and lows most people could never imagine.

And while his journey has been far from easy, Corey continues to stand tall as one of the faces of Pawn Stars.

For fans, he is more than “Big Hoss.”

He is a reminder that even in the spotlight, life can be fragile, complicated, and heartbreakingly human.