Rick Harrison, known to many worldwide as the face of the hit-show Pawn Stars, has spoken out following the death of his 39-year-old son, Adam.

Tragic reports earlier this week confirmed that Adam Harrison had passed away as a result of a suspected drug overdose. His father has now revealed that fentanyl was to blame.

“Yes, I can confirm Adam died from a fentanyl overdose,” Rick said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “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.”

News of Adam’s death was first reported by TMZ, and details surrounding the circumstances, including when and where the overdose occurred, remain unknown. The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has initiated an investigation.

Laura Herlovich, a representative of the Harrison family, shared a statement on behalf of Adam’s loved ones that read: “Our family is extremely saddened by the death of Adam. We ask for privacy as we grieve his loss.”

Adam was Rick Harrison’s second child from his first marriage to Kim Harrison, making him the younger brother of Corey Harrison. Rick later married his second wife Tracy, with whom he shares a son named Jake.

While Adam did not appear on the popular series Pawn Stars – which features both Rick and Corey – he reportedly worked at the family’s business, Gold & Silver Pawn, before the show premiered in 2009. However, he had not been actively involved in the pawn shop in recent times.

After the news of Adam’s overdose broke, Rick took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to his son. Alongside a photo of himself smiling with Adam at a bar, Rick wrote: “You will always be in my heart! I love you Adam. ?”

According to saddening statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, overdose deaths including synthetic opioids rose 56.6% from January 2020 to 2021.

The Drug Enforcement Agency lists fentanyl as a Schedule II controlled substance “that is similar to morphine but about 100 times more potent”. Alarmingly, two milligrams (less than a grain of salt) can be lethal depending on a person’s body size.

Rest in peace, Adam Harrison! We’re sending thoughts and prayers to Rick and the rest of the family.