Big Black’s Ex-Wife Shannon Breaks Silence, Responds To Christopher Boykin’s Death

Christopher Boykin, better known as Big Black, died of a heart attack Tuesday at the age of 45. Boykin was survived by his 9-year-old daughter, Isis Rae, who he had with ex-wife Shannon Turley.

Shannon responded to his death on Twitter early Wednesday morning.

“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,” she wrote from Boykin’s own Twitter account.

The post was liked more than 8,000 times and retweeted more than 3,000 times just seven hours after it was posted. Turley also said Boykin was hospitalized in Texas as a result of heart issues for days before his death and had already had a defibrillator implanted, according to TMZ. The two had been living together because he was in poor health. Turley said doctors attempted to resuscitate him for a full 30 minutes, but were unsuccessful.

The two married in 2008, the same year their daughter was born, but it’s unclear when they divorced. Boykin frequently shared photos of his daughter Isis on social media.

Read: Big Black, Former Star Of "Rob & Big" Dead At 45

Boykin was best known for the MTV show “Rob & Big” which he starred on with Rob Dyrdek. Prior to the show, he was a member of the United States Navy and worked as a security guard. After becoming Dyrdek’s bodyguard, the two hit it off and pitched a show based on their relationship to MTV.

Serving as Drydek’s bodyguard and best friend on the show, Boykin stood 6 foot 6 and weighed 375 pounds. The show lasted from 2006 to 2008 before their relationship fractured. The two eventually mended their relationship.

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

Dyrdek also posted a photo of Boykin with his son, Kodah Dash Drydek.

“I am so thankful for this moment,” he wrote. “Thank you for being an amazing human being and brother.”

Other celebrities took to social media to mourn the loss of Boykin as well. Steelo Brim, the star of the television show “Ridiculousness,” on which Boykin appeared several times, paid tribute to him in an Instagram.

“My brain can’t truly comprehend this,” he wrote in the caption. “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! #RIPBigBlack.”