‘Moonshiners’ Star Jeff Waldroup Confirms Death of Son, Lance Waldroup
Since its premiere in 2011, Moonshiners—the hit Discovery Channel series—has stirred conversation with its unique premise. The show dramatizes the lives of individuals who produce illegal moonshine deep in the Appalachian Mountains, blending outlaw culture with family dynamics and traditional liquor-making techniques.
Among the many memorable personalities, Jeff Waldroup and his son, Lance Waldroup, stood out during their six-season run on the show. The father-son team often brought both heart and humor to the series as they navigated the challenges of crafting illegal moonshine. Lance, though sometimes prone to mistakes in the process, was a fan favorite due to his eagerness and charm.
Fans Noticed Their Absence – Then Came the Heartbreaking News
When Jeff and Lance didn’t appear in Season 8, longtime viewers grew concerned. No official announcement was made at the time, but the reason for their absence has now become heartbreakingly clear.
Lance Waldroup passed away on February 25, 2021, in North Carolina at just 30 years old.
The sad news was confirmed via a Facebook page dedicated to both Jeff and Lance, seemingly managed by a third party. In a statement, Jeff shared:
“We have some sad news to share with all of our friends and fans. My wife [Lynn Cape Waldroup] and I want to share with all of you the passing of our son, Moonshiner Lance.”
Discovery and Fans Mourn the Loss
The Moonshiners community responded with grief and remembrance. Discovery Channel released a tribute recognizing Lance’s contributions to the show:
“We are saddened to hear about the loss of Lance Waldroup. An adventurous distiller featured alongside his father throughout the early seasons of Moonshiners, Lance was always looking to take his flavorful recipes of ‘shine to new heights. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
Discovery’s official website also honored Lance with a photo gallery, showcasing his most notable and endearing moments from the series. The gallery highlighted Lance’s ambition and willingness to learn, noting his efforts in distilling a range of spirits, including moonshine, absinthe, and scotch.
Cause of Death Revealed
Almost a year after his passing, TMZ obtained the official autopsy report, which revealed that Lance died from congestive heart failure. The report cited additional contributing factors, including cardiomyopathy—a condition that weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood—and morbid obesity.
Lance’s death came as a shock to fans and loved ones alike. A GoFundMe campaign was launched following his passing, with the organizers describing his death as “unexpected.”
To honor Lance’s memory, Moonshiners included a special dedication at the end of two Season 8 episodes.
A Lasting Legacy on ‘Moonshiners’
While his time on Moonshiners was cut tragically short, Lance left a lasting impression on fans with his humor, heart, and drive to master the moonshining trade. His legacy continues through reruns of earlier seasons, available now on Discovery Plus.
Moonshiners airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on Discovery Channel.
Our thoughts continue to be with Jeff Waldroup, his family, and the entire Moonshiners community.
