How did Jay Pickett die? 'Days of Our Lives' star, 60, died 'like a true cowboy' on movie set
Acclaimed soap star Jay Picket has died, leaving social media exploding into tributes and condolences for the late actor. Pickett reportedly died on Friday, July 30, at the age of 60; and while his fans were left shocked by the news, no certain cause of death has been revealed.
Pickett was known for his works in popular soaps like 'Days of Our Lives' and 'General Hospital'. As social media swirls in the mystery surrounding his death, the only revealing bit of information came from his close friend and fellow actor Jim Heffel, whose Facebook post seemed to offer some closure. Heffel revealed how the Spokane-born Pickett died "like a true cowboy", while his friend and co-star Michael Dietz paid tribute to his on-screen brother by calling their friendship "one of a kind".
READ MORE
Who was Rick Aiello's wife? Actor dies at 65 after battling pancreatic cancer
How did Jay Pickett die?
Pickett was filming a new movie in Idaho when he died. Heffel detailed in his Facebook post the setting of Pickett's demise, revealing that the actor was sitting on a horse when he died.
"Yesterday I lost a good friend and the world lost a great person. Jay Pickett decided to ride off into the Heavens," Heffel wrote in his Facebook post, adding: "Jay died sitting on a horse ready to rope a steer in the movie Treasure Valley in Idaho." The cause of Pickett's death has not yet been reported, but Heffel declared in his Facebook tribute that the beloved actor died, "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. He will be truly missed. Ride like the wind partner."
Pickett was always interested in the world of showbiz and had a significantly early start when it came to the profession. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Boise State University, Pickett later added a masters in Fine Arts from UCLA. Pickett, who had also dabbled as a producer, was also a thrilling western rider and a skilled roper. He married Elena Marie Bates in 1985, and together they shared three children and lived a life very private and shielded away from the media.
Tributes pour over tragic 'untimely passing'
Pickett, who had also starred in series like 'Port Charles', 'Soda Springs, 'The Mentalist', 'NCIS: Los Angeles', 'Dexter', and 'Rosewood', was paid tribute by his 'Port Charles' co-star Dietz, who according to Soap Hub, said: "My greatest friend has sadly left this world. We met when we were cast as brothers on Port Charles many many years ago. He played my big brother on TV but that carried over into real life and an amazing friendship that was one of a kind."
The outlet also reported that stuntman Ardeshir Radepour's Facebook tribute shared: “I am so so so heartbroken to find out so suddenly of the untimely passing of a great human being and friend. Jay, you will always be with us and we will always be with you. Thank you partner for your friendship and your mentorship. What an honor to work with you and call you a friend. Rest In Peace brother.”