Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on the Dukes of Hazzard, was scheduled to appear at Cooter’s Pigeon Forge for a meet and greet over the Fourth of July holiday. On June 26, the store shared an update on Facebook. “Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Rick Hurst, ‘Cletus Hogg,’ will be unable to join us at Cooter’s Place, Pigeon Forge, TN. July 3rd – 7th. Rick looks forward to rescheduling for a later date. Thank you for your understanding,” the post read. Tragically, just a few hours later, news broke that Rick had passed away. His first wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed to TMZ that Rick died unexpectedly at his home in Los Angeles on June 26. We're heartbroken to announce that Rick Hurst, Cletus, has passed away. He was so kind to me when I visited the reunion sets and whenever we saw him at events. Please share your memories and keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/RjPEKbtEka— HazzardNet.com – A Dukes of Hazzard Fan Site (@hazzardnet) June 27, 2025 The News Of Rick Hurst’s Death Saddened “Dukes Of Hazzard” Fans Cooters Pigeon Forge shared a post from Ben Jones, who starred alongside Rick as Cooter Davenport in The Dukes. “It doesn’t seem right that Rick Hurst passed away this afternoon. 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,” Ben wrote. Rick Hurst fans shared in Ben’s heartache. “We just saw Mr.Hurst Friday in Nashville. He was so nice and looked to be doing good. I told him we first met 20 years ago,” a fan shared. “He got a smile out of it. He told us we will have to do it again in 20 years and smiled at us. Im so happy we got to stop by Cooter’s Place and see him.” “Rest in peace Rick you were an amazing person and a joy to work and i loved all your awesome stories every time I got to see you and I was proud to call you my friend you will be missed,” another person wrote. Rick Hurst is survived by his sons Collin Hurst and Sons of Anarchy actor Ryan Hurst. Rick was 79. This story’s featured image is by AFF-USA via Shutterstock. The post “Dukes Of Hazzard” Star Suddenly Dies Days Before Scheduled Appearance appeared first on InspireMore.