Jack Wagner Speaks Out After His Son's Heartbreaking Death
Longtime soap actors Jack and Kristina Wagner tragically lost their 27-year-old son Harrison to his battle with addiction, according to statements released by his family (via People). Jack and Kristina met on the set of "General Hospital" playing Frisco and Felicia Jones, respectively. The couple shares two sons together, Peter and Harrison. They were married in 1993 but divorced in 2006 (via Us Weekly).
The Wagners had been open about Harrison's issues with addiction in the past. In 2016, Jack took to social media to ask for the public's help after his son relapsed and was missing for a week (via PageSix). Since Harrison was found deceased in his car in Los Angeles last month, Jack and Kristina have created a scholarship fund in their son's name. In collaboration with New Life House Recovery Community, they created the Harrison Wagner Scholarship Fund which helps young men dealing with addiction.
Donations can be made to the fund at the New Life House website, where a statement reads in part, "Harrison was a bright, exuberant young man whose smile lit up any room he was in . . . 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."
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Jack Wagner thanks the public for their support
On July 23, 2022, Jack Wagner spoke out for the first time publicly since Harrison's death. The actor posted a video on his Instagram thanking everyone for the support he and his family have received. "Thank you all so much for the love and kindness that you've sent. I can't tell you how much it's meant to me," adding "It's helped me more than you'll ever know."
In the video, Jack is at an airport, revealing he was on his way to Vancouver to start filming Season 10 of the Hallmark Channel show "When Calls the Heart" that he has starred in since 2014 (via IMDb). On returning to work, the actor said, "I'm beyond excited and grateful for that. Hopefully it will make you laugh and we can enjoy it together," and added that he will share behind-the-scenes footage during shooting.
Kristina Wagner has yet to return to "General Hospital" where she reprised her role as Felicia Jones earlier this year (via Soaps.com), but the cast and crew of the show have overwhelmed the Wagner family with support. Laura Wright, who plays Carly Corinthos on the soap, said the "General Hospital" family "will be there with open arms" as soon as the actress is ready to come back (via ET Online). Kristina has yet to speak publicly since Harrison's death, but fans have been sending their love and condolences to the family as they grieve in private.