Christopher Boykin (aka Big Black) the love-able bodyguard and best bud of pro skateboarder Rob Dyrdek from MTV’s Rob & Big passed away unexpectedly on May 9 from a heart attack, Deadline confirms.

Boykin was just 45. An MTV spokesperson expressed sympathy for his loss, saying, “MTV is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin’s passing,” adding that, “He was a longtime and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time.”

The 2006-08 MTV series Rob & Big followed their daily lives, often ensuing in comedic antics. The 6’3″ Navy veteran was originally hired as security guard for Dyrdek after doing a DC shoes promo skit with him, the New York Daily News reports. Boykin appeared on late-night talk shows Last Call With Carson Daily and Jimmy Kimmel Live! Together, Dyrdek and Boykin were nominated in the Teen Choice Awards for the Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star in 2008. Following Rob & Big, Boykin also appeared on MTV shows Snack Off and Guy Code, then scoring his own clothing line Do Work in 2007.

A number of friends in the industry including Dyrdek paid tribute to the late MTV star on Twitter:

RIP @BigBlack. My heart is crushed. I’ll remember all the times you made me laugh and my prayers go out to your family

— Chanel (@chanelwestcoast) May 10, 2017

Rip Christopher “Big Black” Boykins

— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) May 10, 2017

RIP Big Black pic.twitter.com/JQPJtjEBbC

— Legends (@LegendsofCH) May 10, 2017

I am so thankful for this moment… thank you for being an amazing human being and brother. pic.twitter.com/B331OfraKa

— Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek) May 10, 2017

My heart is broken. I don’t want write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. I am so thankful for you. pic.twitter.com/Atp5EE3jX6

— Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek) May 10, 2017

Boykin is survived by his daughter.