The Dukes of Hazzard star Ben Jones has died of a "massive heart attack", aged 84.
The late actor, who was best known for portraying Cooter Davenport in the US action-comedy, passed away on Sunday (09.08.26) while he was waiting to watch a baseball match involving the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees.
Ben's wife Alma Viator wrote in a Facebook post: "I lost the love of my life today. Ben passed from a massive heart attack.
"He was home resting in his favorite chair waiting for the Braves to come on and whoop the Yankees."
Alma admitted she loved Ben "so, so much" and said he will be missed by many.
She added: "Ben had the most amazing rich full life. He loved and was loved by so many. He will be missed. I loved him so so much."
Ben appeared in 142 episodes of Dukes of Hazzard, in which he played Hazzard County mechanic Cooter.
He appeared alongside the likes of Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach, Denver Pyle, Sorrell Brooke and Waylon Jennings.
Tom has led tributes to his late pal.
He wrote on Instagram: "The Dukes of Hazzard lost another integral part of their cast today. Ben Jones was a fine friend and a fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business. He will be sorely missed... Denver Pyle frequently said to Ben, “I’m not your Uncle Jesse!” But I feel like we lost a Duke cousin today. - Tom Wopat (sic)"
Ben reprised his role as Cooter in 1997 TV film The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!, which also featured Wopat, Schneider, Bach, and Pyle.
As well as his extensive TV and movie career - which included appearing in films Dakota, Jack, Primary Colors, and The Lincoln Conspiracy - Jones also had a career in politics.
He served for four years in the United States House of Representatives from January 3, 1989, to January 3, 1993.
