Jack Wagner and Kristina Wagner have opened up about what caused the death of their son, Harrison Wagner. The youngest child of the General Hospital stars “lost his battle with addiction,” they shared in a statement about a new scholarship they have established in Harrison’s honor.
Harrison was found dead in a parking lot in Hollywood on June 6. He was 27 years old.
Jack Wagner and Kristina Wagner’s son Harrison Wagner ‘lost his battle with addiction’
Harrison’s parents, who were married from 1993 to 2006, have decided to honor their son by giving back. The actors have created The Harrison Wagner Scholarship Fund at the New Life House Recovery Community to “help other young men get help for their addiction.”
Harrison was “a bright, exuberant young man whose smile lit up any room he was in,” reads a statement on the organization’s website. “He has left behind many men and family members who loved him deeply. We are heartbroken that he ultimately lost his battle with addiction and we hope that Harrison’s memory will live on through this scholarship and will help other young men get help for their addiction that would not otherwise be able to afford it.”
New Life Recovery House Community runs sober living facilities for young men in Southern California.
The ‘When Calls the Heart’ star previously spoke about his son’s addiction
Jack Wagner had previously spoken out about his son’s addiction. In 2016, the When Calls the Heart actor took to Twitter to share that Harrison had been missing for several days.
“I fear for my youngest sons safety. Harrison has struggled w drugs & alcohol just as I did when I was younger. He’s relapsed & is MIA 5 days,” he wrote. He also encouraged others to share their stories and struggles. “We can face them 2gether,” he wrote, according to People.
Harrison’s brother shares tribute to his sibling
After Harrison’s death, his older brother Peter Wagner, 31, took to Instagram to share a tribute to his sibling.
“Always with you,” he captioned the June 8 post (via Us Weekly), which also featured a series of throwback photos of his brother throughout the years.
Meanwhile, General Hospital executive producer Frank Valentini sent his condolences to the Wagner family.
“On behalf of myself and the entire #GH family, our hearts go out to Kristina Wagner, Jack, and their family during this devastating time,” he tweeted. “We ask that you respect their privacy and keep them in your thoughts.”
How to get help: In the U.S., contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
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