Soap opera fans are mourning the sudden loss of one of their biggest stars. Jay Pickett, best know for his roles in General Hospital and Days of Our Lives, was 60.
Pickett was filming a movie called Treasure Valley when he passed away on Wednesday (July 30). The film’s director and producer, Travis Mills, confirmed the news on social media.
“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,” Mills posted on Sunday. “There is no official explanation for the cause of his death but it appears to have been a heart attack. 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.”
Actor Jim Heffel who was starring alongside Pickett in the new project also remembered his friend in a post that gave more details surrounding Picketts death.
“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,” Heffel wrote. “He will be truly missed. Ride like the wind partner.”
Pickett, a Spokane, Washington, native, launched his acting career in 1980s with roles in television series including Rags to Riches and China Beach. But, he is best known for his work portraying Frank Scanlon on Port Charles, Dr. Chip Lakin on Days of Our Lives, and Detective David Harper on General Hospital.
Pickett also appeared on shows including NCIS: Los Angeles, Queen Sugar, The Mentalist and Rosewood, and starred in TV movies such as Inspired to Kill, 16 and Missing and The Perfect Student.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Elena, and three children: daughters Maegan and Michaela, and son Tyler.