Moonshiners is an American documentary series produced by Magilla Entertainment, who have made clear that their documentary content is true, whereas Virginia authorities have stated that the people depicted in the show are not producing illegal liquor. Since 2011, Moonshiners has aired on the Discovery Channel at 8 p.m. EST.
The series focuses on a 200-year-old tradition continued by a group of people in Appalachia that their forefathers have left for them, that is, making moonshine. Moonshine is an illegally made beverage that has become increasingly popular since the 1790s Whiskey Rebellion. The show uncovers viewers to Moonshine practices that are rarely seen on television, such as firing up the still. It delves into Moonshine culture and Moonshine legacy figures like Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton.
As the cast members break the law and try to avoid arrest, their lives and liquor-making processes are documented on the reality show. Jeff Waldroup and his son, Lance, were two stars who frequently drew viewers’ attention on the show the Moonshiners. A father-son duo appeared on the show from season 2 to season 7. First appeared in 2012, the father-son duo never made a comeback when they left Moonshiners in 2018 after season 7.
Lance was Jeff’s third child to die, following his other son Lamar and his daughter Lindsey. Without his business partner and son, Jeff is unlikely to want to be filmed on Moonshiners.
What happened to Lance from ‘Moonshiners’?
It was Lance’s admiration to learn the tricks of the trade and distilling all kinds of spirits, including scotch, moonshine, and absinthe, that made him popular among the audience despite being less experienced and younger than other cast members on the Moonshiners. Lance Waldroup, or The bootlegger, sadly passed away at the age of 30 on February 25th, 2021, in North Carolina.
The news was confirmed on Jeff and Lance’s joint Facebook page, which appears to be run by a third party. They wrote that they had some bad news to share with their friends and fans. Jeff went on to say that he and his wife, Lynn Cape Waldroup, are deeply saddened to inform you of the death of their son, Moonshiner Lance.
The famous bootlegger was a recovering drug addict
Last February, the 30-year-old “Moonshiners” star went outside to smoke, returned home, played video games, and was later discovered unconscious on the bed by his mother, Lynn. According to the documents, the famous bootlegger had a history of suicidal thoughts and high blood pressure. He was a recovering opioid addict.
Following the deaths of both of his siblings, he turned to drugs. Waldroup allegedly suffered from “survivor’s guilt,” which led to his drug use. Lance was extremely close to his sister Lyndsey as a child. Lyndsey enjoyed cooking, and Lance enjoyed eating! Lyndsey, his younger sister, died at the age of 11 from Cystic Fibrosis. Lance and Lamar, the two brothers, shared immense love for each other. They used to do everything together. His brother Lamar had Cystic Fibrosis and needed a lung transplant as well. Lamar survived the lung transplant for 1 1/2 years before passing away at the age of 20.
Suboxone was found in Waldroup’s room after his body was discovered, confirming his drug addiction. However, drugs did not contribute to his death, with only damage from previous abuse visible in the autopsy. Lance’s mother had Multiple Sclerosis and was in poor health. According to sources, one of the reasons why Lance quit Moonshiners was to take care of his mother full-time. He did all the cooking and cleaning during that period.
In a post, Moonshiners expressed their sadness at the news of Lance Waldroup’s death. They went on to say that Lance was always up for some adventure. He appeared alongside his father on Moonshiners in the early seasons. Before he could take his flavorful shine recipes to new heights, he passed away. He will be sorely missed.
