Gone But Never Forgotten: Honoring the Moonshiners We’ve Lost Since 2011

Since its debut in 2011, Discovery Channel’s Moonshiners has captivated viewers with its raw, rebellious look at the Appalachian tradition of backwoods distilling. With hidden stills, outlaw spirit, and a deep sense of community, the show revealed a high-stakes world where risking arrest is part of preserving a way of life. Along the way, fans connected with the colorful characters who made moonshine more than a job—it was a legacy.

But as the seasons rolled on, Moonshiners has also experienced heartbreaking losses. Here, we take a moment to remember the beloved members of the Moonshiner family who have passed away.

Kenny Law (1956–2025): A Peaceful Farewell

On January 14, 2025, Kenny Law passed away at the age of 68. His distillery’s Facebook page confirmed he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Kenny is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kenzie and Nathan Wright, and his grandsons, Atlas and Fox.

Known for his deep love of distilling and his warm presence in the community, Kenny built a legacy that went beyond the bottle. His life was a tribute to tradition, and his memory continues to inspire those who knew and watched him.

Lance Waldroup (1991–2021): A Tragic Early Departure

Lance Waldroup’s unexpected death in March 2021 shocked the Moonshiners community. Only 30 years old, Lance was found unresponsive by his mother. The cause was later revealed as congenital heart failure, complicated by his struggle with obesity—he weighed 580 pounds at the time of his death.

Lance was open about his battles with opioid addiction and depression, but on screen, he was a spirited distiller alongside his father, Jeff, in North Carolina. Discovery honored him as an “adventurous distiller who always sought to elevate his craft.” His honesty and heart made him a fan favorite.

Jim Tom Hedrick (1941–2023): The End of an Era

A true Moonshiner legend, Jim Tom Hedrick passed away in September 2023 at the age of 82 following a long battle with kidney cancer. He was a cast member from Season 2 until 2017, known for his deep knowledge, storytelling charm, and old-school distilling wisdom.

Discovery paid tribute to him as “a treasured member of the Moonshiners family.” Jim Tom wasn’t just a character—he was a cornerstone of the show, influencing both viewers and fellow moonshiners. His legacy remains deeply rooted in the heart of Appalachian culture.

Popcorn Sutton (1946–2009): The Legend Who Sparked a Movement

Though never a cast member of Moonshiners, Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton’s influence looms large over the show. A moonshining legend long before the cameras rolled, Popcorn appeared in the 2002 documentary Mountain Talk, and footage of him was later featured in Moonshiners Season 1.

In 2009, facing a federal prison sentence for distilling offenses, Popcorn tragically took his own life using carbon monoxide poisoning. He was in his early 60s.

Popcorn’s fiery independence, traditional craftsmanship, and rebellious spirit helped ignite the moonshine renaissance that Moonshiners later brought into American living rooms. His story remains a rallying cry for distillers who choose heritage over conformity.

Their Legacy Lives On

As Moonshiners continues to follow the next generation of backwoods brewers, the spirits of Kenny, Lance, Jim Tom, and Popcorn remain ever-present. Their stories are etched into the show’s DNA—symbols of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring Appalachian spirit.

In every jar passed hand to hand, in every secret still hidden deep in the woods, and in every laugh shared on screen, these men live on. They remind us that moonshining isn’t just about making liquor—it’s about preserving a way of life.