Jay Pickett death: General Hospital star dies aged 60 after collapsing on set
Co-star says Pickett died ‘sitting on a horse’ ready to shoot a scene, calling him ‘a true cowboy’
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Your support makes all the difference.Veteran soap opera actor Jay Pickett, known for his role in the television show General Hospital, died unexpectedly on a film set in the US state of Idaho.
The 60-year-old actor was shooting for his new film Treasure Valley when he suffered a suspected heart attack.
“Many of you have already heard about the tragedy that happened two days ago. Jay Pickett, our leading man, writer, producer, and creator of this movie passed away suddenly while we were on location preparing to film a scene,” wrote film director Travis Mills on Facebook.
“There is no official explanation for the cause of his death but it appears to have been a heart attack,” he wrote, adding that everyone who was there did their best “to keep him alive”.
“Our hearts are broken and we grieve for his family who are so devastated by this shocking tragedy,” Mills wrote.
Pickett is survived by his wife, Elena, daughters Maegan and Michaela, and a son, Tyler.
“As so many of us know, Jay was an incredible man. He was kind, sweet, and generous. He was one of the best actors I ever worked with and it was an honor to collaborate with him,” Mills continued. “Everyone who met him, even for the briefest moment, could feel his warmth, his wonderful spirit. It is difficult to find the words right now to say more. His closest friends have said that he was very happy making Treasure Valley and my hope is that he truly was.”
The actor’s television appearances include the miniseries Rags to Riches, China Beach, Mr Belvedere, Dragnet, Jake and The Fatman, Days of Our Lives and Matlock.
Pickett’s co-star and friend Jim Heffel paid tribute to the late actor. “Yesterday I lost a good friend and the world lost a great person. Jay Pickett decided to ride off into the Heavens,” he wrote on Facebook.
“Jay died sitting on a horse ready to rope a steer in the movie Treasure Valley in Idaho. The way of a true cowboy. Jay wrote the story and starred in it. He was also a co-producer with myself and Vernon Walker,” Heffel added.
“He will be truly missed. Ride like the wind, partner.”
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