“The Last Ride of Deputy Cletus: Rick Hurst’s Sudden Passing Sparks Mystery and Mourning”
Something didn’t feel right. Fans of The Dukes of Hazzard had been eagerly counting down the days to a long-awaited reunion in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee — a celebration of Southern charm, vintage cars, and the characters who made Hazzard County iconic. But just days before the event, everything changed.
Without warning, the gathering was canceled. The official word was “unforeseen circumstances.” No further explanation. And then came the devastating news: Rick Hurst, the beloved actor behind the affable Deputy Cletus Hogg, had died.
He was 79.
A Sudden Goodbye
The news broke quietly. Rick Hurst passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2025, only a handful of days before he was expected to appear at Cooter’s Place — the Dukes of Hazzard–themed museum and fan hotspot founded by his co-star Ben Jones. For many, it was to be a rare chance to reconnect with a living piece of TV history.
Instead, fans were left stunned. No cause of death has yet been made public, and sources close to the family have remained tight-lipped.
The timing of the event cancellation and his sudden death has sparked speculation online. Was his health failing in the days leading up to the reunion? Or was something more serious being quietly managed behind the scenes?
The Man Beneath the Badge
Born January 1, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Richard Douglas Hurst didn’t set out to be a TV icon. After earning degrees from Tulane and Temple University, he honed his craft in the theater before breaking into television during its golden age.
He became a household name in 1979 when he stepped into the blue uniform of Deputy Cletus Hogg — cousin to the rotund and conniving Boss Hogg.
What started as a recurring role quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to Hurst’s comedic timing, lovable bumbling, and a wide-eyed sincerity that brought balance to the show’s louder personalities.
But his talents stretched far beyond the borders of Hazzard County. Hurst left his mark on shows like Happy Days, Sanford and Son, MASH*, Little House on the Prairie, and many more. On the big screen, he appeared in The Cat from Outer Space, Executive Action, Steel Magnolias, and In the Line of Fire.
He was a craftsman of character, always present, always believable — even in the zaniest roles.
A Family of Storytellers
Rick Hurst is survived by his wife, Candace Kaniecki, and their son Ryan Hurst — a talented actor in his own right, known for his commanding roles in Sons of Anarchy, Remember the Titans, Bates Motel, and The Walking Dead. Together, they are part of a legacy that spans generations of television and film storytelling.
Tributes from friends and co-stars have begun to flow, but it was John Schneider — Bo Duke himself — who said it best:
“Rick wasn’t just Cletus. He was family — to all of us.”
An Unfinished Chapter?
Rick Hurst now joins the ranks of Dukes of Hazzard legends who’ve passed on: Sorrell Booke (Boss Hogg), Denver Pyle (Uncle Jesse), Waylon Jennings (The Balladeer), and James Best (Sheriff Rosco). But unlike those before him, Hurst’s final chapter feels abrupt — perhaps even unfinished.
With the recent event cancellation and an unusually quiet rollout of information surrounding his death, fans are asking questions. Was it truly a natural passing? Or were deeper health issues concealed to allow him a final moment of peace, away from the spotlight?
Perhaps the truth will come out in time. Or perhaps, like many beloved characters, Rick Hurst’s last act will remain something of a mystery.
Conclusion: A Farewell to Hazzard’s Heart
Rick Hurst didn’t just play a sidekick. He gave heart to a show built on horsepower and hijinks. His Cletus wasn’t the hero or the villain — he was something better: the soul of Hazzard County. A little clumsy, a little lost, but always loyal.
And in the end, maybe that’s why his passing hits so hard. He was one of us.
Rest easy, Deputy. The patrol car’s parked, the badge is hung up, and Hazzard County is just a little quieter without you.