Dukes of Hazzard star Ben Jones dies aged 84 after suffering ‘massive heart attack’

| TV Reporter Published August 10, 2026 7:27am Updated August 10, 2026 7:34am Ben Jones played the friendly mechanic in Dukes of Hazzard (Picture: Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock) Ben Jones, who played Cooter Davenport in the TV show Dukes of Hazzard, has died aged 84. The actor suffered a ‘massive heart attack’, according to his wife who shared the news on Facebook on Sunday. Alma Viator wrote: ‘I lost the love of my life today. ‘Ben passed from a massive heart attack. He was home resting in his favourite 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.’ He was also a former Georgia congressman (Picture: Rick Diamond/Getty Images) As well as starring as the mechanic ‘Crazy’ Cooter Davenport in all seven seasons of The Dukes of Hazzard, Jones had roles in TV and film projects including ‘Smokey and the Bandit’, ‘As the World Turns’, and ‘Moonrunners’. Jones also served two terms in the US House of Representatives as a Democrat from Georgia. Fans mourned Jones’ loss under Viator’s post on social media. A co-star said he was a ‘fierce advocate of all the best things we can offer in the entertainment business’ (Picture: Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images) Kyle Willis wrote: ‘So sorry Miss Alma I’ve grown up watching Ben on the Duke’s of Hazzard my whole life he made the show worth watching. I wish I could’ve met him, you and your family will be in my prayers.’ And Thomas Lake said: ‘I’m so sorry miss Alma, meeting you and Ben was a highlight for me as my younger life was guided by Cooter.’ Co-star Tom Wopat, who played Luke Duke on ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ also posted about Jones’ death, writing on Facebook: ‘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.’ Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you More to follow. Arrow MORE: Madonna pays tribute to legendary producer William Orbit after death: ‘You were so otherworldly’ Arrow MORE: Spider-Man: No Way Home star Mary Rivera dies aged 82 after suffering stroke Arrow MORE: Comedy legend Jimmy Cricket dies aged 80 after short illness TV Newsletter Sign up and tell us which TV shows you love to watch to get personalised updates every morning.