"County Rescue" star Keller Fornes' final message revealed after death

While the acting world mourns the loss of Country Rescue star Keller Fornes, his final post to Instagram has been revealed.

The actor was best known for playing Griffin in the Great American Family TV series Country Rescue. According to an obituary published by Lacy Funeral Home, he died on December 19, 2024, at the age of 32, though no cause of death was given.

Fornes last posted to Instagram on December 14, sharing behind-the-scenes photos at work, selfies, snaps of his travels and photos of him spending time with friends and family. The post had no caption.

People have taken to this post to share condolences, with one person writing: "It's sad to hear the news...R.I.P Keller, the short time I did know you. You were an inspiration and awesome person. Gone to soon."

Another added: "Rest in peace."

People have also taken to the pinned post on his Instagram post to share their thoughts. Posted in August 2022, he shared, a trailer for the independent film The Old Lady and the Boxer, in which he starred.

"RIP I know you are in a good place. May your loved ones be in peace," one Instagram user commented.

"RIP my good friend you were always looking up to me little did you know how much I looked up to you in so many ways I know pain my friend may you be in peace," said another.

"May you rest in heaven legend," someone else wrote.

Great American Media confirmed the actor's death in a statement posted on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) on January 6.

"We at Great American Media are deeply saddened by the passing of Keller Fornes. He was a special person and talent as an actor, writer, and director as well as a singer and musician," the statement read.

"His energy and enthusiasm lifted all he worked with here at Great American Media and the cast and crew of County Rescue. Our prayers are with his family and all those he touched."

Various famous faces took to the comments to share their condolences, including American Idol alum Colton Dixon. He wrote: "Was so saddened to hear about this. We only met briefly during my work on County Rescue, but he was incredibly kind and purposeful with his words. Prayers for his friends and family."

Lauren Swickard, an actor known for Roped and A California Christmas, commented: "I am forever grateful for his friendship. What an honor it was to work with him. What a wonderful person we've lost."

"It was pure joy to work with Keller! He was such a kind, encouraging soul! You will be greatly missed my friend! Honored and forever changed by his life!" added actor Shari Wiedmann, who starred in Extraordinary and Divine Influencer.

Full House star Candace Cameron Bure commented: "💔🙏🏻."

Fornes' Country Rescue co-star Julia Reilly paid tribute to the actor on her Instagram story. She shared the statement from Great American Media with a heartbroken emoji, followed by a picture of her and Fornes together. "Miss you," Reilly captioned the photo.

Co-star Kristin Wollett also honored Fornes on Instagram. She posted a video that was made up of various images and clips from their time on set together.

"In our hearts. Always. 🤍 Keller Scott Fornes 🤍," she wrote.

Fornes wrote and directed several short films, including the 2019 documentary The Buddy I Never Met. He was cast in independent films such as Anney in the City (2019), Beast Beast, The E-Listers: Life Back in the Lane (2020) and The Secrets She Keeps (2021).

He also appeared as a Tower Trooper in a 2022 episode of The Walking Dead and had a role in Ava DuVernay's 2023 film Origin.