Popular YouTube firearms expert Paul Harrell announced his death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 58 in a posthumous video.
Late US Army and Marine Corps veteran, known for his gun reviews, firearms instruction videos, and second AmendmentThe advocacy CEO shared the heartbreaking update in a final message to his fans, which his manager, Brad Nelson, uploaded to his YouTube channel on Tuesday.
In the six-minute clip, which Harrell said was recorded on December 20, 2023, he was seen sitting on a piece of wood in the woods with a crutch next to him.
“If you’re looking at me, I’m dead,” Harrell said at the start of the video, which was titled “I’m Dead.”
YouTube gun expert Paul Harrell announced his death in a video. (Paul Harrell YouTube)
He added, “A few months ago I sat on this log and told you I had been diagnosed. Pancreatic cancer And I told you they caught it quick and we were going to be here for a while. Well, we caught it quick but not as quick as I thought.”
Harrell noted that fans had previously seen him using crutches in videos, and he revealed that he had recently fractured his hip.
“Yes, I broke my hip, but it wasn’t due to an accident. “That happened because the cancer had spread to my bones. Bones broke, I fractured my hip, and I fell,” Harrell said.
“My time is running out,” he said.
Harrell thanked his fans for supporting him through Patreon and asked them to continue doing so for a while, as he hopes his brother and other members of his crew will join him and create content for the channel.
“My purpose in doing all of this was, yes, to have fun, do some fun things, but mainly to provide useful information,” he said. “Or if not useful, at least interesting information.”
“And I really hope that as you’re watching me, you’ve seen some things that have made you say, ‘Oh, I get it, OK.’ Things that have made you change something that has been helpful for you,” he added. “I really hope that by seeing a review of the things we’ve done, you’ve saved some money, you’ve avoided buying things that maybe wouldn’t have been right for you. And if those things have happened, then we’ve accomplished our goal.”
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“I sincerely apologize,” Harrell told his fans. “I expected to be playing in this format for the next 10 or 15 years. And yet, I didn’t. Once I found out, I was hoping we’d be here for two or three more years, but it’s only been a few months. And for that, I’m sorry. I really feel like I’ve let everybody down.”
“I think the bottom line, I haven’t really rehearsed this, is that I’m really glad we had the opportunity to do all that we did,” he said, getting emotional. “I really hope this has been helpful and I really appreciate you watching, commenting and participating, and I have probably very few regrets about what we’ve done here.”
“I think we were mostly successful. I hope you agree. So, as always, don’t try this at home. And thanks for watching.”
Harrell died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 58. (Paul Harrell YouTube)
After Harrell finished his message, the video featured his brother, Roy E. Harrell Jr., who said he was “deeply saddened” to confirm the content creator’s death.
“It was his wish that I keep his legacy alive through this channel,” Roy said. “He will continue to be an inspiration to all of us.”
Nelson next appeared in the video, when he introduced himself to Harrell’s audience who may not have known him. He explained that he worked behind the scenes with a gun expert because the channel was “too small.”
“I feel so blessed to have Paul in my life and to have him as my friend,” Nelson said. “He is a very generous and kind person, and he told great campfire stories. He has positively impacted many people’s lives, including mine, and I am so grateful for that.”
“We will carry on his legacy by uploading videos to this channel and continuing to educate people just like Paul did,” he said. “But you can also carry on his legacy by sharing your knowledge with other people and sharing your enthusiasm for firearms in the outdoor world.”
“And staying curious, like Paul, and trying to learn new things.”
The content creator was known for his gun reviews, firearms instructional videos, and Second Amendment advocacy. (Paul Harrell YouTube)
After the clip was posted, Harrell’s fans took to the comments section to thank him for educating his viewers about gun safety and using his platform to advocate for gun safety. Gun owners rights.
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“A giant among giants,” one fan wrote. “Paul is not just a gun enthusiast and teacher. He is a gun educator. Your contributions will be remembered by many for many years. Your teachings will live on forever.”
“Paul you were the OG YouTube gun guy, and you will be greatly missed,” another chimed in. “Thank you for your great content!”
“Paul was the Mr. Rogers of the gun world,” one commenter wrote. “RIP Paul.”
Fans mourned his demise and praised his bravery in the comments section of the video. (Paul Harrell YouTube)
Other spectators expressed surprise at the patient demeanor Harrell displayed. His death announced In the video.
One fan commented, “I’ve never seen someone handle their death so calmly and professionally, even months before it happened. Rest easy Paul.”
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Another viewer said, “Paul’s final lesson was a master class in dying with dignity and grace.”
“A true example of masculinity,” one fan wrote. “Not some alpha bro tough guy trying to hide his insecurities. But firm, experienced, intelligent, self-aware, composed, respectful and brave.”
