HazzardNet, Author at HazzardNet

RIP Ben Jones (1941-2026)

Benjamin Lewis Jones, known to millions as Cooter Davenport on “The Dukes of Hazzard,” died Sunday at his home. He was 84. His wife, Alma Viator, said he suffered a massive heart attack while settling in to watch a baseball game.

Jones was born August 30, 1941, in Tarboro, North Carolina, and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia, in a house near the docks that had no electricity or indoor plumbing for years. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959, spent a year at East Carolina College, and went on to study radio, television and film at the University of North Carolina.

He landed the role of Cooter, Hazzard County’s mechanic and the man who ran the garage across from the sheriff’s office, and stayed with it for all seven seasons of the show, appearing in 141 episodes between 1979 and 1985. Fans knew his voice on the CB as well as his face: “Breaker one, breaker one, I might be crazy, but I ain’t dumb.” He also appeared in “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings” and “Smokey and the Bandit.”

Jones left acting behind for a stretch to run for office, and served two terms representing Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1989 to 1993. He later returned to the character that made him famous, building Cooter’s Place into a string of museums and stores in Luray, Virginia, and Nashville and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and starting Dukesfest and Hazzard Homecoming so fans of the show would have somewhere to gather every year. He was integral in keeping the spirit of the show alive for current and future fans.

I got to meet him several times over the years, and every single time it felt like catching up with an old friend rather than meeting a celebrity. That was just who he was. He had a gift for putting people at ease, and you could talk to him about anything and he’d lean in like you were the most interesting person in the room. He was a natural storyteller, the kind who could turn a simple hello into a ten-minute conversation you didn’t want to end, and he clearly loved the fans who kept showing up to hear those stories, year after year.

He is survived by his wife, Alma, and his children, Rachel and Walker.

If you’d like to leave a remembrance of Ben, you can do so in our forums 👉🏼 https://hazzardnet.com/forums/topic/20148-rip-ben-jones/

Fans Send Prayers to Catherine Bach After Emergency Hospitalization

Fans across Hazzard Nation are rallying behind Catherine Bach, beloved for her role as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, after news broke that she’s been hospitalized in Los Angeles.

According to a Facebook post from her longtime co-star Ben Jones (Cooter Davenport) and his wife Alma, Catherine was admitted “on an emergency basis” after developing an embolism, likely following a recent surgery.

“Our dear Catherine Bach has just been admitted to the hospital in Los Angeles on an emergency basis. Catherine has an embolism that probably developed as a result of a recent surgery. We will keep you posted, and Catherine will share her story as soon as she is recovered. She is so, so sorry to have to cancel her appearance at Cooter’s this weekend. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Love, Ben and Miss Alma,” the post read.

As a result, Catherine’s scheduled appearance at Cooter’s Place in Nashville on November 1–2 has been canceled while she focuses on recovery. Ben assured fans that updates will follow as she improves.

Messages of love and support quickly poured in from Dukes fans all over the world:

“Prayers for her. Hopefully she has a speedy recovery.”
“Lots of healing prayers 🙏🏼🙏🏼.”
“Catherine Bach, you are in my prayers. Get well soon.”

Catherine, now 71, became a pop culture icon through her role as Daisy Duke — so much so that her signature denim shorts inspired the term “daisy dukes.” Her charm, grit, and Southern warmth made her one of television’s most unforgettable characters.

From everyone here at HazzardNet, we’re sending our best wishes and prayers to Catherine for a full and speedy recovery.

Flying Again: Raymond Kohn’s General Lee Jump Thrills Fans in Somerset, KY

Flying Through the Air Again: The Spirit of the General Lee Lives On

On a summer day in Somerset, Kentucky, fans of The Dukes of Hazzard were treated to a spectacular sight—a modern-day General Lee (really a Crown Vic dressed up as the General) soaring through the air in a tribute jump that channeled the heart-pounding energy of the original TV series. Behind the wheel was Raymond Kohn, founder of the Northeast Ohio Dukes, known for his daring recreations of classic stunts from the show.

It may come as no surprise that Raymond Kohn is a huge Dukes of Hazzard fan. His jumps aren’t random—they’re calculated, choreographed, and executed with reverence for the legacy of the General Lee and the countless stunt professionals who brought it to life between 1979 and 1985.

The Somerset Event: A Celebration of Speed and Spirit

Held during the Somernites Cruise, Somerset’s nationally recognized car show series, the event drew thousands of spectators eager to witness a real-life General Lee launch into the air. The jump was staged on a ramp with a specially prepped 1969 Dodge Charger—orange paint, decals, and all.

As the crowd roared, Kohn gunned the engine, hit the ramp, and sent the General Lee flying just like Bo and Luke would have done—if they had a little more safety gear and GPS telemetry. The path of the jump was right through the water gushing from the Somerset fountain, dyed blue for the event.

The landing was rough—as they always were—but the Charger held together just long enough to complete the tribute. As always, it was a one-and-done stunt. Just like in the show, these cars don’t get second chances.

For fans of The Dukes of Hazzard, seeing a General Lee in flight isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a reminder of what made the show iconic: action, fun, rebellion, and just enough wild charm to make you cheer. Raymond Kohn keeps that legacy alive, not just through his jumps, but through the incredible amount of care and respect he and his team puts into each one.

It’s not about breaking records—it’s about honoring a moment in TV history when cars flew, the good guys ran moonshine for good reasons, and a Dodge Charger could defy gravity on a weekly basis.

And when that Charger leaves the ground—even for just a few seconds—it brings back the thrill of outrunning Boss Hogg and Rosco P. Coltrane, one more time.

Got a favorite General Lee moment? Or were you in Somerset to witness this incredible jump? Share your memories in our forums and keep the spirit of Hazzard alive.

Remembering Rick Hurst: A Kind Soul and Hazzard Legend

January 1, 1946 – June 25, 2025

It is with great sadness that we at HazzardNet mark the passing of Rick Hurst, best known to Dukes of Hazzard fans as the lovable and bumbling Deputy Cletus Hogg. He passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 79.

Rick brought heart, humor, and humanity to the role of Cletus, making him a fan favorite across generations. But beyond the screen, Rick was every bit as warm and genuine as the character he played. He wasn’t just an actor we admired—he was a man we were lucky to meet in person.

I had the honor of meeting Rick on the set of the first Dukes of Hazzard reunion movie and again on the set of the second. Over the years, I also had the pleasure of speaking with him at several fan events. Each time, he greeted me with a big smile and an open heart. We shared wonderful conversations, and I always walked away feeling like I’d just caught up with an old friend.

Rick had a special way of making fans feel seen and appreciated. He loved being part of the Dukes family and was deeply grateful for the fans who kept its spirit alive. Whether on a convention stage or just chatting in the autograph line, he gave his full attention, always ready with a story or a laugh.

His passing is a loss to the Dukes of Hazzard community and to all who knew him. But his kindness, his talent, and the joy he brought to so many lives will never be forgotten.

Rest easy, Rick. Hazzard County won’t be the same without you.

Christmas at Cooter’s 2021

Saturday, December 18th, and Sunday, December 19th, join Ben Jones (Cooter) and Tom Wopat at Cooter’s Nashville for “Christmas at Cooter’s”. There will be a meet and greet with Tom both days. On Saturday, there will be a VIP Meet and Greet with snacks and drinks, plus a Christmas concert at the Nashville Palace with Tom, his band, and Whey Jennings.