Everett Kenneth “Kenny” Law, known for his role in the Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” and a third-generation distiller from Virginia, died on January 14, 2025. His death occurred at a local hospital in Rocky Mount, Virginia, at the age of 68.
The unfortunate news of Law’s passing was announced by Law’s Choice Distillery, a business he co-owned with his cousin, Henry Law. The announcement read, “With sorrow, we announce that Everett ‘Kenny’ Law passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.”
In recent years, Law had been grappling with various health challenges. His cousin Henry disclosed that Kenny suffered a heart attack in 2024 and was recently admitted to the hospital due to a blood infection. Law also battled diabetes in his later years.
Traced back generations, the Laws’ distilling heritage began with their grandfather Owen Law. Kenny and Henry learned the distilling craft from Henry’s father, Amos. Amos was a well-known moonshiner in the region before he transitioned to legal distilling through Law’s Choice Distillery in Franklin County, Virginia. It is reported that Kenny and Henry produced up to 47,000 gallons of moonshine each year.
Law joined the cast of “Moonshiners” in its eighth season. The show, which first aired in 2011, chronicles the lives of Appalachian residents who continue their families’ two-century-old moonshine-making traditions.
In 1977, Law’s moonshining career almost came to an end when an indoor distilling operation led to a propane explosion. Despite suffering severe burns, Law bravely went back into the burning building to save his father. He eventually made a complete recovery from his injuries.
Besides moonshining, Law was also an entrepreneur. He founded Law’s Roofing Company in the 1980s and successfully ran the business for two decades while preserving his family’s distilling tradition. During the 1990s, he was known for his community service, donating time and materials to install roofs on Habitat for Humanity houses in Rocky Mount, Virginia.
Law was known for his outgoing personality and enjoyed interacting with 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.” When not filming or distilling, Law pursued his hobby of restoring and reselling antiques.
The Discovery Channel’s “Moonshiners” social media account paid tribute to Law, stating, “We’re deeply saddened about Kenny Law’s passing. He was a treasured member of our Moonshiners community since season eight. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Shine on, Kenny.”
Amanda Bryant, a co-star, remembered Law in a social media tribute: “Last Night We Lost a True Legend, Kenny Law from our Moonshiner Family. You will be dearly missed, it was an Honor to know you and call you my friend. Prayers for the whole Law family in this time. They are dear friends of mine and my heart breaks for each of them.”
Law is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kenzie and Nathan Wright; grandsons, Atlas and Fox Wright; brothers, David Law and Ronnie (Suzanne) Law; and cousin, Henry Lee Law.