Christopher Boykin
Christopher 'Big Black' Boykin passed away on May 9Instagram

Christopher 'Big Black' Boykin, who is known for his role on MTV's Rob & Big, died on May 9. He was 45. The death of Boykin, who starred alongside professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek on the reality show, was confirmed by his representative to several media outlets.

The cause of the death has not been revealed yet, but sources close to Boykin told TMZ that he may have died of heart attack.

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"MTV is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher 'Big Black' Boykin's passing," an MTV spokesperson said in a statement. "He was a long-time 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."

Big Black shot to fame with the reality show Rob & Big in which he played Dyrdek's lovable best friend and bodyguard. Big Black and Dyrdek together created, wrote, produced and starred in the TV series that ran from 2006 to 2008.

Apart from his shows, he was also known for setting two Guinness world records – peeling and eating three bananas in a minute, and for eating powdered donuts in 2 minutes, 45 seconds.

He is survived by his 9-year-old daughter, Isis.

Chanel West Coast, who worked with Rob Dyrdek on his shows Fantasy Factory and Ridiculousness, was among the first to pay tribute to the Big Black. "RIP @bigblack1972. My heart is crushed hearing this news. I'll never forget all the times you made me laugh. So many epic memories with you. You put smiles on a lot of people's faces and you will be missed dearly by SO many. My prayers go out to your family and loved ones. Keep them laughing up in heaven," he wrote on Instagram and posted a photo of Big Black.

Rob Dyrdek also took to Twitter to pay condolences to his longtime friend Boykin. In a series of heartfelt messages, Dyrdek tweeted that his heart is broken.

"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. I am so thankful for this moment... thank you for being an amazing human being and brother," he wrote.

Check out the Twitter reactions below: 

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