Ben Jones, who appeared in all 7 seasons of the popular CBS action comedy “The Dukes of Hazzard” that ran from 1979 to 1985, has passed away on Sunday, August 9, at the age of 84. His wife Alma Viator announced in a Facebook post the same day that the cause of death was “a massive heart attack.”
Jones portrayed the character of Cooter Davenport in the iconic series. His wife wrote in her social media tribute, “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. 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.”
Fans and friend immediately filled the comments with love and prayers. One gushed, “Ben was a wonderful person, and my prayers are with you and your family.”
Another chimed in, “Sorry to hear this you have support from an entire generation. You are in our prayers.”
Jones began his acting career by appearing in theatrical productions before finding his way onto television with the creation of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” which was born from the 1971 independent Gy Waldron film “The Moonrunners,” in which he had a supporting role.
Before that, he was a civil rights activist during the 1960s, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Ben Jones Seemed Chipper in Video Message for Fans 2 Years Ago
Ben Jones ran three separate museums dedicated to “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Two are in Tennessee, with the third finding a home in Luray, Virginia after relocating from its previous location in Sperryville.
On the museums’ YouTube page, he shared a message with his fans two years ago which he opened with his characters famous catchphrase, “Breaker one, breaker one, I might be crazy, but I ain’t dumb!”
He then enthusiastically let fans know about the upcoming annual Hazzard Run in Luray. In the cheerful announcement, Jones promised a “big car show” and hyped the inclusion of special guests Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg, and stunt driver Corey Eubanks.
On May 31, 2026, the actor was seen smiling and waving to fans at the Luray museum with Alma at his side in one of his last known public appearances in a set of Facebook photos.
Ben Jones’ Costar Rick Hurst Died a Year Ahead of Him
Hurst passed away on June 26, 2025 and Jones honored him by sharing a kind message on his Cooter’s Pigeon Forge Facebook page. The message reflected on his friendship with Hurst, which he said lasted for over 45 years. Jones called his costar “a fine actor, a splendid comic, and a wonderfully supportive colleague.”
Other deceased cast members from “The Dukes of Hazzard” include James Best, Sorrell Brooke, Denver Pyle, Christopher Mayer, and Waylon Jennings.
The oldest surviving main cast member is Sonny Shroyer, now 90 years old, who portrayed Deputy Enos Strate.
