Actor Jay Pickett, best known for his work on such daytime soap operas as General Hospital and Port Charles, died last week in Idaho while acting in a western he co-wrote, Treasure Valley. He was 60 years old. At the time of this writing, Pickett’s cause of death has not been released, but the film’s director Travis Mills believes that the longtime actor suffered a heart attack while sitting on a horse.
“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. There is no official explanation for the cause of his death but it appears to have been a heart attack,” Mills wrote in an emotional Facebook post. “Everyone present tried as hard as they could to keep him alive. Our hearts are broken and we grieve for his family who are so devastated by this shocking tragedy.”
Pickett’s co-star, Jim Heffel, provided more insight into his death with a Facebook post of his own. 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 co-producer with myself and Vernon Walker. He will be truly missed. Ride like the wind partner,” he wrote.
Jay Pickett appeared on such 80s classics like China Beach, Mr. Belvedere, Jake and the Fatman, and Matlock before transitioning into daytime soaps. Later in his career, Picket made several guest spots on such shows as Dexter, The Mentalist, NCIS: Los Angeles, Rosewood, and Queen Sugar. He is survived by his wife and three children.
