Reality star former bodyguard Christopher “Big Black” Boykin died Tuesday of an apparent heart attack at the age of 45, according to TMZ.
The star of the MTV reality show, Rob & Big starred on the show for two years from 2006 to 2008. Boykin appeared on the show as the best friend, bodyguard, and roommate to the professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek.
In a statement by MTV and shared on Variety, the network said, “He was a long time and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed.
The show followed the various hijinks the two reality show best friends would get into including purchasing a mini horse, breaking world records, and skating across California.
Dyrdek took to Twitter to reminisce and pay his respects to his friend.
“We truly were brothers that lived an unexpected unforgettable adventure. I just can’t fathom that it would end so suddenly,” Dyrdek explained on Twitter.
Dyrdek later added, “You will forever be in my heart.”
Boykin, who was a veteran of the Navy, started a clothing line following the reality show. He is survived by his nine-year-old daughter.