On a film set in Idaho, veteran soap opera actor Jay Pickett, best known for his role on the television show General Hospital, died unexpectedly.
The 60-year-old actor suffered a suspected heart attack while filming his upcoming picture Treasure Valley.
“I'm sure many of you are aware of the tragedy that occurred two days ago. “While we were on location preparing to film a scene, Jay Pickett, our leading man, writer, producer, and creator of this film passed away suddenly,” stated film director Travis Mills on Facebook.
“There is no official explanation for his death, but it appears to have been a heart attack,” he said, adding that everyone there tried “everything they could to keep him alive.”
Mills commented, "Our hearts are broken, and we grieve for his family, who have been devastated by this shocking tragedy."
Pickett leaves behind a wife, Elena, two kids, Maegan and Michaela, and a son, Tyler.
“Jay was an incredible man, as many of us know. He was lovely, generous, and compassionate. Mills stated, "He was one of the best actors I'd ever worked with, and it was an honor to collaborate with him."
“Everyone who came into contact with him, even for a brief moment, felt his warmth and wonderful spirit. It's tough to find the words to express anything else right now. His closest friends have indicated that he was ecstatic to be working on Treasure Valley, and I sincerely hope that he was.”
Rags to Riches, China Beach, Mr. Belvedere, Dragnet, Jake and the Fatman, Days of Our Lives, and Matlock are among the actor's television appearances.
Jim Heffel, Pickett's co-star and friend, paid tribute to the late actor. “I lost a good friend yesterday, and the world lost a great person. On Facebook, Jay Pickett posted, "I decided to ride off into the Heavens."
“In the movie Treasure Valley in Idaho, Jay died while sitting on a horse, ready to rope a steer. A true cowboy's way of life. Jay authored and starred in the film. Heffel noted, "He was also a co-producer with myself and Vernon Walker."
“His loss will be felt deeply. Partner, ride like the wind.”
