"There is no official explanation for the cause of his death but it appears to have been a heart attack," the director of the movie Pickett was starring in, explained.
Television star Jay Pickett died unexpectedly while he was on the set of his upcoming film, Treasure Valley. The news was confirmed by the film's director and producer, Travis Mills, reports Fox News.
"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 the film's Facebook page on August 1, 2021.
"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."
We lost a great friend and collaborator this week. Actor and filmmaker Jay Pickett passed away while making Treasure Valley with us. He was doing what he loved: acting, riding horses, and making movies. He lives on in our memories and the movies. #JayPickett pic.twitter.com/t2VvxBnW8B
— Travis Mills (@travis_director) August 1, 2021
Miles continued his post by talking about how Pickett was an "incredible man" who was "kind, sweet, and generous."
"He was one of the best actors I ever worked with and it was an honor to collaborate with him. Everyone who met him, even for the briefest moment, could feel his warmth, his wonderful spirit. It is difficult to find the words right now to say more," Mills added. "His closest friends have said that he was very happy making Treasure Valley and my hope is that he truly was."
"He was doing what he loved: acting, riding horses, making movies. And he was magnificent."
One of Pickett's Treasure Valley co-stars, Jim Heffel, said in another Facebook post that he "lost a good friend and the world lost a great person."
#RIP Jay Pickett, 60; 'Port Charles' actor died of an apparent heart attack on the set of a Western he was making in his home state of Idaho. "Jay died sitting on a horse ready to rope a steer," a co-star wrote. "The way of a true cowboy." https://t.co/GgKqbUtR1G
— Mike Barnes (@MikeBarnes4) August 1, 2021
"Jay Pickett decided to ride off into the Heavens," Heffel wrote. "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."
Pickett, who was born on February 10, 1961, in Spokane, Washington, began his acting career in the 1980s with appearances on television series such as Rags to Riches and China Beach. He is best known for his roles as Dr. Chip Lakin on Days of Our Lives, and Detective David Harper on General Hospital.
Pickett is survived by his wife, Elena, daughters Maegan and Michaela, and a son, Tyler, states Independent.
References:
https://www.facebook.com/treasurevalleymovie/posts/157792123123496
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1498008743892796&id=100010510546859
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Vince Bucci
