Soap star Jay Pickett has been described as a "great person" who died "the way of a true cowboy," following his death while filming a new movie in Idaho.
Friends and colleagues confirmed the 60-year-old's death on Friday. Pickett was known for his roles on Days of our Lives, General Hospital, and Port Charles, among others, with more than 50 acting credits to his name.
Pickett's acting career took off in the late 1980s and among his long list of acting credits were also Jake and the Fatman, Matlock, The Mentalist, NCIS: Los Angeles, Dexter, and Rosewood.
His cause of death is not yet known. A representative for Pickett told Newsweek that the star collapsed on set and could not be revived.
Fellow actor Jim Heffel posted a tribute to Pickett on Facebook, sharing recent pictures of the late actor on the set of Treasure Valley, a film written and produced by Pickett.
"Yesterday I lost a good friend and the world lost a great person," Heffel wrote. "Jay Pickett decided to ride off into the Heavens. 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 a co-producer with myself and Vernon Walker. He will be truly missed. Ride like the wind partner."
Stuntman Ardeshir Radepour also posted a tribute on his Facebook page. "I am so so so heartbroken to find out so suddenly of the untimely passing of a great human being and friend," Radepour said.
"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."
Friend Michal Feifer wrote: "My great friend, business partner, favorite actor, big brother, true cowboy, and much, much more, Jay Pickett, went to heaven yesterday," SoapHub reported.
"Not only has Jay been in 15 of my movies, but I made my best movie with Jay ten years ago. We co-produced and co-wrote Soda Springs and made movie magic in his home state of Idaho. While Jay may not be on earth, Soda Springs will always be with us, thankfully. I'll miss you and love you. See you soon, cowboy!"
Pickett's Port Charles co-star Michael Dietz 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."
"He was an incredible husband, father, friend, and Godfather to my daughter. Everyone that knew him loved him. I love you Jay. Keep smiling my friend. All my love to his family who truly became our family as well. You will be forever missed. until I see you again...."
Pickett was born in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Caldwell, Idaho before moving to California to study fine arts at the University of California, Los Angeles.
He is survived by his wife Elena Marie Bates—who he married in 1985—and their three children.
Update 8/02/21, 3:34 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to include comment from Jay Pickett's representative.
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