Rick Hurst, best known for playing Deputy Cletus Hogg on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died at 79. His wife, Candace Kaniecki, confirmed he passed away suddenly, just a week before a scheduled fan event at Cooter’s Place in Tennessee. The cause of death is unknown. Hurst joined the show in 1979 and became a fan favorite for his comedic role as Cletus, cousin to Boss Hogg. Though his role shifted over the seasons, his bond with the cast remained strong.

“We’re a family still,” co-star John Schneider said in a past interview. Beyond The Dukes, Hurst appeared in Happy Days, MASH, The Karate Kid films, Steel Magnolias, and more.