The star of Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners,” Everett Kenneth “Kenny” Law, passed away on January 14, 2025. Known for his work as a third-generation distiller in Virginia, Law died at a local hospital in Rocky Mount, Virginia at 68. The distillery, which Law operated alongside his cousin Henry Law, shared the news via social media.
In recent years, Law had been dealing with several health problems. His cousin Henry disclosed that Kenny had a heart attack in 2024 and was recently hospitalized due to a blood infection. In his final years, he was also diagnosed with diabetes.
From moonlit stills to legitimate enterprise, the Law family transformed their mountain spirits legacy across three generations. What began with Owen Law was refined through his son Amos’s moonshining expertise, culminating in cousins Kenny and Henry Law’s remarkable achievement – their Law’s Choice Distillery in Franklin County, Virginia, producing a staggering 47,000 gallons annually. The family’s journey mirrors the shift from clandestine production to legitimate distilling in American spirits history.
Law joined the cast of “Moonshiners” in its eighth season. The show began in 2011 and depicts Appalachian residents carrying on their families’ 200-year-old moonshine-making traditions.
Law’s moonshining career almost ended in 1977 due to a propane explosion during an indoor distilling operation. Despite suffering severe burns, he bravely re-entered the fiery building to save his father and eventually made a full recovery from his injuries.
In the 1980s, Law founded Law’s Roofing Company, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. He successfully ran the business for two decades while preserving his family’s distilling tradition. In the 1990s, he gave back to his community of Rocky Mount, Virginia, by volunteering time and materials to install roofs on Habitat for Humanity houses.
Law was known for his vibrant personality and loved interacting with the fans of the show. His obituary described him as “a true outlaw—rebellious, fun-loving, charming, and tough as nails, yet soft-hearted toward those he loved.” Law enjoyed “shopping” for antiques outside of filming and distilling, which he would refurbish and resell.
The Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” social media account honored Kenny Law, describing him as “a treasured member of our Moonshiners community since season eight.” The tribute expressed condolences to his family and loved ones, concluding with a heartfelt farewell: “Shine on, Kenny.”
Amanda Bryant, a fellow cast member, shared a heartfelt tribute announcing the passing of Kenny Law, a member of the “Moonshiner” show family. In her social media message, she expressed deep respect for Law and offered condolences to his family, whom she considers close friends. Bryant emphasized Law’s legendary status within their community and their friendship.
Law is survived by his devoted family, including his daughter and son-in-law, Kenzie and Nathan Wright; his grandsons, Atlas and Fox Wright; his brothers, David Law and Ronnie Law, along with Ronnie’s wife, Suzanne; and his cousin, Henry Lee Law.