Actor Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg on the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at the age of 79, his ex-wife has confirmed. Candace Kaniecki, his former wife, broke the news to TMZ and confirmed he’d died unexpectedly in Los Angeles on Thursday, June 26. She said the cause of his death remains unknown at this time.

His passing was announced through Cooter’s in Luray, VA’s Facebook page. Cooter’s is a museum and shop dedicated to The Dukes of Hazzard. It is run by Ben Jones, who portrayed Cooter Davenport in the series. He runs it with his other half, Alma Viator.

They paid tribute to Rick with a funeral picture of the star showcasing Deputy Hogg. The photograph was sepia-toned, with Rick at the centre, encircled by white doves against clouds on a backdrop.

It also said the respectful words ‘RIP’, marking his lifetime from Jan. 1, 1946, to June 26, 2025.

A touching quote accompanying the picture read: “Gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Your love and memories will forever remain.”

He added: “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon,” he wrote. “When something so unexpected happens, it is ‘harder to process’, as the current expression goes.

“I have known Rick for over 45 years and there wasn’t a minute of that time that he didn’t leave me smiling or laughing. Sure he was a professional comedian, but mostly he just had a heart as big as Texas.

“He was a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague.”

Rick’s co-stars have paid sweet tributes following his death. John Schneider, who played one of the iconic “Duke boys” wrote: “I just this moment heard about the passing of dear Rick Hurst, a.k.a. Cletus Hogg.

“You were a remarkable force for humanity, sanity and comedy, my friend. Heaven is a safer and more organised place with you in it. We’ll keep the race going and people laughing until we meet again! Love you. John.”

The actor, who was born in Houston, Texas, in 1946, is survived by his sons, actors Ryan Hurst and Collin Hurst. During his career, he landed guest roles in series such as The Doris Day Show, The Partridge Family, Little House on the Prairie and M*A*S*H.