Pawn Stars’ Corey Harrison Faces Sh0cking Downfall – The Unbelievable and Heartbreaking Tragedy That Fans Never Expected Could Strike One of the Show’s Most Familiar and Beloved Faces

To millions of viewers, he is “Big Hoss,” the affable, quick-witted, and sometimes stubborn heir to the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop dynasty on the hit reality show Pawn Stars. Corey Harrison, with his larger-than-life personality, became a familiar face in households across the globe. But behind the curtain of reality television, his life has been a tumultuous odyssey marked by profound personal struggles, devastating losses, and an inspiring journey of transformation.

Born into the pawn shop world on April 27, 1983, Corey was destined to be part of the family business. As the son of Rick Harrison and the grandson of the late, great Richard “Old Man” Harrison, the scent of old treasures and the art of the deal were in his blood. He began his apprenticeship at the tender age of nine, learning the ropes of a business where every item has a story and every negotiation is a dance. It was here, amidst the eclectic collection of Las Vegas’s forgotten treasures, that Corey honed his skills, developing a keen eye for value and a sharp business acumen that would prove instrumental in the shop’s future success.

It was Corey’s vision and youthful energy that helped propel the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop into the national spotlight. He recognized the potential for something bigger, a platform to share the unique world of pawning with a wider audience. His persistence paid off, and the History Channel came knocking, giving birth to Pawn Stars, a show that would redefine reality television and make the Harrison family international celebrities. But with fame came a new set of challenges, and Corey’s biggest battle was one he fought not in the negotiation room, but within himself.

For years, Corey was known as the “fat guy” of Pawn Stars. His weight ballooned to a staggering 402 pounds, a physical burden that was beginning to take a serious toll on his health. The turning point came in 2010 with a terrifying diabetes scare. Faced with his own mortality, Corey knew he had to make a drastic change. He underwent gastric band surgery, a decision that would alter the course of his life. The surgery was not a magic bullet but a tool, the first step in a long and arduous journey. He committed to a new lifestyle, embracing a healthier diet and a rigorous exercise regimen that included boxing and snowboarding. The results were nothing short of astonishing. He shed an incredible 200 pounds, transforming his body and his life.

But Corey’s journey has been about more than just physical transformation. It has been a testament to his resilience in the face of unimaginable personal tragedies. In 2012, he stared death in the face after a serious motorcycle accident. A quick-thinking maneuver, jumping from his bike at 40 mph to avoid a crash, saved his life but left him with a severe hand injury requiring surgery. The incident was a stark reminder of life’s fragility, a theme that would tragically recur in the years to come.

The Harrison family, the bedrock of Corey’s life, has been rocked by loss. On June 25, 2018, the family patriarch, Richard “Old Man” Harrison, passed away at the age of 77 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. His grandfather’s death left a void in Corey’s life and in the heart of the pawn shop. But the most recent tragedy struck with a brutal and unexpected force. In January 2024, Corey’s younger brother, Adam, died at the age of 39 from a fentanyl and methamphetamine overdose. The loss was a devastating blow, a stark and painful reminder of the opioid crisis that continues to ravage families across the country.

Corey’s personal life has also been a source of turmoil. He has weathered the pain of two divorces, first from his high school sweetheart, Charlene, in 2015, and then from his second wife, Karina “Kiki” Harrison, in 2018. With Kiki, he shares a son, Richard Benjamin Harrison, a new generation of the Harrison legacy. The end of these relationships, played out in the public eye, added another layer of complexity to his already challenging life.

Most recently, Corey found himself on the wrong side of the law. In September 2023, he was arrested in Las Vegas on suspicion of driving under the influence. Corey attributed the incident to an infected shin and uneven road conditions that affected his performance during a sobriety test. The arrest was a public setback, a moment of vulnerability for a man who has spent years in the spotlight.

Despite the relentless storm of personal challenges, Corey Harrison has refused to be broken. He continues to be a central figure on Pawn Stars, and with the new series Pawn Stars Do America, he is bringing his expertise and personality to audiences in a new and exciting way. He is also reportedly working on a new project, a testament to his enduring passion for the business and his unwavering drive to move forward.

Corey’s story is one of a man who has lived a life of extraordinary highs and devastating lows. It is a story of a son, a grandson, a father, and a brother who has navigated the treacherous waters of fame, family, and personal demons. His journey is a powerful reminder that behind the public persona, there is a human being, with all the complexities, vulnerabilities, and strengths that come with it. It is a story of resilience, of a man who has been knocked down time and time again but has always found the strength to get back up, to face the next challenge, and to continue fighting for his life, his family, and his legacy.