Rick Harrison Addresses Fundraiser for Son Corey's Medical Expenses
Rick Harrison, the renowned patriarch from the hit reality TV show Pawn Stars, has publicly responded to a fundraiser launched for his son Corey, asserting that he had already settled the substantial medical bills prior to the campaign's initiation. The 60-year-old star shared his perspective amidst ongoing reports about Corey's recovery from a serious motorcycle accident that occurred in January in Tulum, Mexico.
The Accident and Mounting Medical Costs
According to E! News, Corey Harrison, aged 42, experienced a harrowing crash that resulted in severe injuries, including 11 fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a concussion, and internal bleeding. He was urgently transported to a hospital in Playa del Carmen, where he spent 14 difficult days before financial constraints necessitated a transfer to a more affordable facility located four and a half hours away in Mérida.
Upon returning to Tulum, Corey continued to endure significant pain, requiring regular house visits for IV fluids and morphine treatments. The total medical expenses soared beyond $100,000, which Corey attempted to manage by depleting his savings and maxing out his credit cards. In response, his friend Aron Chambers initiated a GoFundMe campaign, initially seeking $18,000, though some reports indicate higher financial needs. Chambers emphasized, "Being on television and part of Pawn Stars fame doesn't come with a built-in safety net for emergencies like this; medical crises don't care about celebrity status," as noted by The Independent.
Corey, who is no longer actively involved in Pawn Stars but receives residuals from reruns, has avoided strong pain medications following the tragic fentanyl overdose death of his brother Adam in 2024. The fundraiser has garnered thousands of dollars, aimed at covering rent arrears, medications, therapy, and facilitating Corey's return to the United States for family support.
The Father-Son Dynamic and Financial Clarifications
Rick Harrison first commented on the GoFundMe campaign via TMZ on March 5, stating, "Corey is a grown man and he will deal with his life as he sees fit." He later clarified to multiple outlets, including Fox News Digital and Page Six, "As far as I know, I paid all of Corey's medical bills long before he put the GoFundMe out. He is a grown man in his 40s and is responsible for how he handles his finances."
Corey acknowledged his father's assistance in an interview with TMZ, estimating that Rick covered at least half of the medical costs. He expressed, "I adore my dad, but he doesn't hand me anything. My father has made me earn everything throughout my life." Rick welcomed the possibility of reimbursement but noted that no formal arrangement is in place, remarking, "It's always appreciated to be reimbursed."
This situation arises nearly two years after the tragic passing of Adam Harrison, underscoring the challenging journey the Harrison family has faced. Corey provided an update on Instagram in late January, sharing, "Pretty messed up but I'm good... 11 breaks in my rib cage," and credited crash bars for saving his life. A representative confirmed that Rick visited Corey, and he is expected to make a full recovery after six weeks of bed rest, as reported by People magazine.
