Christopher Boykin, one half of the “Rob & Big” reality television duo, has died, as confirmed by his representative, who told People that Boykin died of a heart attack.

A Mississippi native and former member of the U.S. Navy, Boykin found fame as the bodyguard and best friend of professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, on the MTV reality show, “Rob & Big.” Episodes followed the pair as they embarked on random adventures that included skateboarding, exorcising their home, and making attempts at Guinness world records. The show ran from 2006 to 2008.

The two men first met when Dyrdek hired Boykin to serve as his bodyguard in a promotional skit for DC shoes. They quickly became friends, and the chemistry that emanated from that very real friendship is what made their reality shows so beloved.

From this chemistry came show-worthy situations–once, when the two took an on-camera trip to restock the ATM Dyrdek had installed in his house, Boykin had to be especially on guard to protect the large amount of cash. While they were waiting for the money to be delivered, though, Boykin took a little time to help Dyrdek home some “boy band” dance moves to help inject a little fun into the day.

“Rob & Big,” however, ended abruptly in 2008, when Boykin and Dyrdek had a falling out due to the strains of sudden fame. According to Dyrdek, the “fundamental strain of not wanting to be connected to each other” was what caused creative differences to drive the two apart—both wanted to be known for their own talents and personalities, and working together became difficult.

But that division couldn’t keep these friends apart for long. Boykin later returned in Dyrdek’s 2011 follow-up reality show, “Fantasy Factory,” where he made appearances in seasons 4 through 7.

An oft-imposing figure at 6-foot-6, Boykin’s size and profession belied a kind, gentle, and charming personality, and he was well-loved and respected by those he worked with. Dyrdek, himself, sent out a series of Tweets in memory of his former friend.

“My heart is broken. I don’t want to write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. I am so thankful for you. We truly were brothers that lived an unexpected unforgettable adventure. I just can’t fathom that it would end so suddenly. You will forever be in my heart.”

Shannon Boykin, Boykin’s ex-wife, also sent out a grieved tweet, saying “I’m heartbroken to tell you of Black’s passing. He’s everything to me and Isis and we will miss him.”

In an official statement to People, MTV has stated that it “is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin’s passing. 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.”

Boykin’s rise to fame from military member and security worker to reality television star, musician, and owner of his own clothing line stands as inspiration for those who dream big, and his humorous contributions to MTV’s lineup will be long-remembered.

Boykin is survived by his ex-wife, Shannon, and his 9-year-old daughter, Isis.