‘Rob & Big’ star Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin Is Dead at 45

Rob Drydek and Chanel West Coast were among those who shared emotional tributes to the beloved MTV star.

If you ever tuned into MTV, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the antics of Rob and Big. Whether they were getting scanned for a video game appearance, teaching a bulldog to ride a skateboard or trotting around on a tiny pony, Rob and Big’s adventures were hilarious and made the duo beloved to fans…and that makes it all the more heartbreaking to find out that Big has passed away at just 45 years old due to a heart attack.

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.

A post shared by Rob Dyrdek (@robdyrdek) on May 9, 2017 at 8:06pm PDT

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Rob Dyrdek, who originally hired Big as a security guard but soon folded him in as a pal, co-star and, eventually, as a brother, has taken to Instagram to remember his friend and share his grief and disbelief.

“My heart is broken,” Rob captioned his Instagram pic with the late MTV star. “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.”

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 🙌🏼🙏🏼❤️

A post shared by chanelwestcoast (@chanelwestcoast) on May 9, 2017 at 6:05pm PDT

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Other personalities from the show, like Chanel West Coast, have also come out on Instagram to remember Big, too.

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 🙌🏼🙏🏼❤️

A post shared by chanelwestcoast (@chanelwestcoast) on May 9, 2017 at 6:05pm PDT

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We’ll always remember him for moments like these.