Popular YouTube gun expert Paul Harrell announces his death at the age of 58 in a video: “If you’re watching me, I’m dead”

Popular YouTube gun expert Paul Harrell announced his death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 58 in a posthumous video.

The late U.S. Army and Marine Corps veteran, who was known for his gun critiques, firearms instructional videos and 2nd Amendment advocacy, shared the heartbreaking update in his 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 can be seen sitting on a log in the woods with a crutch lying next to him.

“If you see me, I’m dead,” Harrell began the video titled “I’m Dead.”

He continued: “A few months ago, I was sitting here on this log and I told you that I had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I told you that the disease had been caught early and we would be here for some time. Well, we did catch it early, but not as early as I had thought.”

Harrell noted that his fans had previously seen him using his crutch in his videos and explained that he had recently broken his hip.

“I broke my hip, but not because of any accident. “The reason was that the cancer had spread to my bones,” Harrell said. “The bones just crumbled, my hip broke and I fell down.”

“My time is running out,” he added.

Harrell also thanked his fans for their support via Patreon and asked them to continue doing so for a while, as he hoped that his brother and other members of his team would take up his cause and create content for the channel.

“My goal in all of this was, yes, to have fun and do things that are fun, but most of all, to publish useful information,” he explained. “Or if not useful, then at least interesting information.”

“And what I really hope is that as you're watching me, you saw some things that made you say, 'Oh, I see, OK.' Things that made you change something you were doing in a way that helped you,” he continued. “I would really hope that the reviews that we did saved you some money and kept you from buying things that probably wouldn't have been a good fit for you. And if those things happened, then we accomplished our goal.”

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“My sincerest apologies,” Harrell told his fans. “I was hoping I could continue in this format for the next 10 or even 15 years. And even when I got the diagnosis, I was hoping we would be here for another two or three years, but it was only a few months. And for that, I apologize. I really feel like I let everybody down.”

“I think the last sentence, which I haven't really rehearsed, is that I'm really glad to have had the opportunity to do all of the things we did,” he added, getting emotional. “I really hope it was helpful, and I really appreciate you watching and commenting and participating, and I probably regret very little of what we did here.”

“I think we were successful for the most part. I hope you agree with me. 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 switched to his brother, Roy E. Harrell Jr., who shared that he was “heartbroken” to confirm the content creator’s death.

“It was his wish that I continue his legacy through this channel,” Roy said. “He will continue to be an inspiration to us all.”

Nelson appeared next in the video and introduced himself to Harrell's viewers who may not know him, pointing out that he has worked behind the scenes with the firearms expert since the channel was “very small.”

“I've been very privileged to have Paul in my life and as a friend,” Nelson said. “He's a very generous and kind guy and he told the best campfire stories. He's had a positive impact on many people's lives, including my own, and I'm very grateful for that.”

“We will continue his legacy by eventually uploading videos to this channel and continuing to educate people the way Paul did,” he said. “But you can also continue his legacy by sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for outdoor firearms with other people.”

“Simply by being curious and striving to learn new things, like Paul did.”

The content creator was known for his gun reviews, firearms handling training videos, and 2nd 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 owners' rights.

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“A giant among giants,” wrote one fan. “Paul is not just a gun enthusiast and educator. He is a gun educator. Your contributions will be remembered by many for years to come. Your teachings will live on.”

“Paul you were the OG Youtube Gun guy and we will miss you deeply,” added another. “Thank you for your wonderful content!”

“Paul was the Mister Rogers of the gun world,” wrote one commenter. “RIP Paul.”

In the comments section of the video, his fans mourned his loss and praised his bravery. (Paul Harrell YouTube)

Other viewers marveled at the stoic demeanor Harrell displayed as he announced his death in the video.

“I have never seen anyone deal with their own death so calmly and professionally, months before it even happens. Rest in peace Paul,” commented one fan.

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“Paul’s final lesson was a master class in dying with grace and dignity,” noted another viewer.

“A true example of masculinity,” wrote one fan. “Not an alpha bro tough guy who overcompensates and covers up his insecurities. But stoic, experienced, intelligent, confident, level-headed, respectful and brave.”