The ex-wife of Christoper Boykin released a statement in the wake of this former reality star’s surprising death.
As previously reported, Boykin died on Tuesday at the age of 45, with sources now confirming he passed away from a heart attack.
This isn’t shocking for someone who stood six feet, six inches tall and weighed well over 300 pounds.
But it doesn’t make Boykin’s death any easier for his friends, family members and loved ones to deal with.
The former U.S. Navy member and bodyguard of professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek rose to fame in 2006 when he debuted on the MTV reality series Big & Rob.
The show lasted until 2008, chronicling the wacky lives of its two main stars as they played pranks on each other, engaged in various forms of hijinks and generally just had a great time together.
Boykin went on to make appearances on other MTV programs, such as Fantasy Factory, and solidified his reputation as a good friend to those in the rap community.
His death has clearly left a void in the lives of many.
“My heart is broken,” Dyrdek wrote on Twitter last night in response to the awful news, following this message up with a few more:
“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.”
On Wednesday morning, meanwhile, Shannon Turley took to her ex-husband’s Twitter account to express her sadness over Boykin’s death.
The two were parents to a nine-year old daughter named Isis.
“This is Shannon, Big Black’s ex-wife,” Turley. “I’m heartbroken to tell you of Black’s passing. He’s everything to me and Isis and we will miss him.”
Boykin and Turley divorced in 2009.
Known to the public and also to those close to him as “Big Black,” Boykin posted numerous photos of his little girl on his Facebook page over the years.
He most recently shared one last August, just as she was starting a new school year.
“3rd Grade Ice you growing too fast,” he wrote as a caption to the sweet image.
Rapper Chanel West Coast was also saddened by Boykin’s death.
“RIP @bigblack1972,” she wrote on Instagram after learning the news, adding:
“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.”
Steelo Brim (of the series Ridiculousness) also shared a touching post on his Instagram:
“My brain can’t truly comprehend this. As soon as we met we became friends. Genuine, Funny, Family Man, just an Overall Great guy.
“May God Rest his soul and he make everyone in heaven smile like he did on earth! LOVE!”
And, finally, MTV released the following statement as a tribute to Big Black:
MTV is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin’s passing.
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.
RIP.