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Christopher “Big Black” Boykin was in the hospital for days before his untimely passing, according to TMZ.

The 45-year-old Rob & Big star was dealing with heart issues and doctors thought he’d eventually need a heart transplant.

Big Black‘s ex-wife Shannon Turley says doctors tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes after his heart gave out on Tuesday afternoon (May 9).

The former couple, who share a nine-year-old daughter named Isis, had been living together due to his declining health.

“This is Shannon, Big Black‘s ex-wife, I’m heartbroken to tell you of Black‘s passing. He’s everything to me and Isis and we will miss him,” Shannon wrote on his Twitter.

Our thoughts continue to be with Big Black‘s family and friends during this difficult time.

Rob Dyrdek is responding to the death of his friend and Rob & Big co-star Christopher “Big Black” Boykin after his untimely passing.

The 42-year-old skateboarder and television personality took to his Instagram to express his grief over the loss of his best 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,” he wrote.

He later added a photo of Big Black with his son Kodah, who was born last year.

“I am so thankful for this moment..thank you for being an amazing human being and brother,” Rob captioned the photo.

Our thoughts are with Rob and Big Black‘s other friends during this difficult time.

Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, star of MTV’s hit reality series Rob & Big, has sadly passed away, according to TMZ.

The reality star, who was the best friend and bodygaurd of skateboarder Rob Dyrdek, died on Tuesday morning (May 9) at the age of 45.

There is no word yet on his cause of death.

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Rob & Big ran on MTV from 2006 to 2008 and Big Black also appeared on the show’s spin-off, Fantasy Factory.

The duo were often seen taking part in ridiculous stunts including breaking Guinness records, buying a mini horse and catching people with their net gun.

Our thoughts are with Big Black‘s family and friends during this difficult time.

UPDATE: Read Rob Dyrdek‘s statement about Big Black‘s untimely passing.