Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the hit show “Duck Dynasty” and the founder of the duck hunting gear business that became the foundation of his family’s reality television empire, died on Sunday. He was 79. His death was announced by his son Jase Robertson in a social media post late Sunday. The post did not say where he died or specify a cause.

Fans won’t see the late reality star in any posthumous appearances in the new show, and the reasons may be myriad.

Phil Robertson — the star of the popular A&E reality television series 'Duck Dynasty', professional hunter and businessman — died at the age of 79.