'Wahlburgers' Star Henry 'Nacho' Laun Dies of Apparent Cocaine Overdose

Publish date: 2024-08-21
Jill O'Rourke Jill O'Rourke
Jill O'Rourke

Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit


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Henry “Nacho” Laun, star of A&E’s Wahlburgers and friend to Mark and Donnie Wahlberg, recently passed away at age 54. His cause of death has been revealed, and it looks like Laun died of a cocaine overdose.

Wahlburgers focused on the Massachusetts restaurant of the same name, started by Paul Wahlberg and his famous brothers. Laun appeared on the show and often took on food-related challenges.

‘Wahlburgers’ Star Henry ‘Nacho’ Laun Dead at 54

On June 1, Laun’s Facebook page posted a statement announcing the news of his death, reading, “We are sad to report that our friend and colleague, Henry “Nacho” Laun has passed away. Please keep Nacho, his family, friends, and fans in your thoughts and prayers. We will pass along any new information as it is available. Thank you all.”

Laun was a childhood friend of the Wahlbergs, and was an original member of Mark’s entourage, which inspired the HBO show Entourage. He also had small parts in several of Mark’s movies, including The Departed and Ted.

TMZ reported Laun’s cause of death, listed as “complications of acute cocaine intoxication” on his death certificate. The document lists the manner of death as accidental. He was reportedly found unconscious in his car at a gas station in mid-May, and was put on life support at the hospital before passing away June 1.

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The Wahlberg brothers have not posted about Laun’s death on social media, or released public statements. In April, the brothers lost their mother, Alma Wahlberg. She was 78, and reportedly suffered from dementia. Paul named his restaurant Alma Nove after his mother.

Laun also lost his mother not that long ago. Last April, Emilce Laun passed away. The two were apparently very close, with Laun’s attorney telling People, “He took her passing hard as is understandable and regrettably he has passed roughly a year later.”

Wahlburgers ran from 2014 to 2019 on A&E. Laun was reportedly developing his own show called Nacho Extreme Texas, in which he would eat around the state.

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