Ben Jones, Who Played Cooter on "The Dukes of Hazzard," Dead at 84

Ben Jones once delighted fans with his mechanical skills on "The Dukes of Hazzard." He also offered his musical skills as a way to bring people together amid the novel coronavirus, along with a message of hope and support. Sadly, Jones has now passed away.

Between 1979 and 1985, the antics between cousins Bo and Luke Duke became firm favourites on television for seven seasons, as did Cooter "Mechanic," played by Ben Jones.

A Message of Togetherness

A man with many hats, Jones lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, from where he once recorded a heartfelt message to his fans. Dressed in a gray T-shirt with the words "Mama Tried" sprawled across the front, Jones said:

"I believe the only way we are ever going to get along, is for everybody to treat each other the same, and that is to treat them well & respect them."

Making a Difference Through Music

The late 84-year-old also owned tourist attractions and museums in Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Luray, Virginia called "Cooter's," and married the mother of his two children, Alma Viator, back in 1992. Committed to using his fame in a positive way amid the pandemic, Jones added:

"That is something that's never failed - understanding, forgiveness, and love. And I hope we will have some of that tomorrow."

In the caption, Jones shared that free "drive-in concerts" would be held that weekend, and he invited all to come and share in the music and love.

The 'Dukes'

Since the days of "The Dukes of Hazzard," John Schneider, who played the role of Bo Duke, went on to have a successful acting career that boasts more than 75 television and film acting credits.

Tom Wopat, who played the role of Luke Duke, landed himself in a spot of trouble in 2018 when he pled guilty to inappropriately touching two women from the cast of a musical he was appearing in. He found success in recurring roles on television.

The 'Daisy' of the Bunch

Catherine Bach filled the shoes of the well-known character Daisy Duke, and she went on to lead a rather eventful life after the series "The Dukes of Hazzard" went off the air.

Several television appearances led to a recurring role in the soap "The Young and the Restless" in 2012. In her personal life, her second marriage ended when her husband tragically died.

The Passing of a Hazzard County Legend

According to Variety, Jones died on August 9, 2026, at the age of 84. His wife, Viator, announced the news on Facebook, writing that Jones had passed from a massive heart attack while at home resting in his favorite chair, waiting for a Braves game to come on. Jones would have turned 85 later this month (August).

In the years before his passing, Jones had remained a visible and beloved figure, regularly greeting fans and performing with Cooter's Garage Band at his Cooter's Place museums.

He had fronted the band at concerts, fairs, and festivals, and continued to coordinate "Dukes of Hazzard" fan and reunion events alongside his wife. Those who visited him in his later years described a man who had lost none of his warmth or showmanship — right to the end, he was Cooter.

Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world following the news of his death. His former co-star Tom Wopat paid tribute via social media, and fans of "Hazzard Nation" — the nickname Jones had given to the loyal following he had built over decades — mourned the loss of the man who had become as synonymous with Cooter Davenport as the General Lee itself.