Reports claiming that Ben Jones, best known for playing Cooter Davenport on The Dukes of Hazzard, has died on Sunday, August 9, 2026, are circulating online. However, at the time of writing, there is no reliable confirmation from major news organizations or an official source that the actor has passed away.
Ben Jones, whose full name is Benjamin Lewis Jones, became widely recognized for his role as Cooter Davenport, the friendly Hazzard County mechanic and longtime ally of Bo and Luke Duke. The character appeared throughout the classic CBS series, which originally aired from 1979 to 1985.
Cooter was an important part of the show’s fictional Hazzard County community. His garage frequently served as a meeting place for the Duke family, and his mechanical skills made him a trusted friend whenever the characters needed assistance.
Beyond acting, Jones pursued a career in politics and served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1989 to 1993. He later remained closely connected to The Dukes of Hazzard through Cooter’s Place, a museum and fan destination celebrating the series.
The rumors may be particularly concerning for fans because several members of the original Dukes of Hazzard cast have died in recent years. Rick Hurst, who played Deputy Cletus Hogg, died in June 2025 at age 79, with Jones publicly paying tribute to his longtime co-star.
For now, claims that Ben Jones has died on August 9, 2026 should be treated as unverified. Fans should wait for confirmation from his family, representatives, or a reputable news organization before sharing the report as fact.