Actor Michael Newman, of “Baywatch” fame, died Sunday at the age of 68.

The TV lifeguard Mike “Newmie” Newman was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006, PEOPLE confirmed.

Matt Felker, a close friend, revealed the late actor died “from heart complications” and was “surrounded by his family and friends.”

“I got to see Mike the last time he was conscious, and he looked (at) me and in typical Mike fashion said, ‘You’re just in time,’” Felker tells PEOPLE.

Newman was the only member of the 1990s hit cast who actually was a lifeguard. He appeared in 150 episodes of the series, which ran from 1989-2001 — more episodes of the show than anyone other than David Hasselhoff, per the report.

“I lost my friend. A hero. My hero,” Felker posted on Instagram on Monday. “Thanks for coming into my life Newmie. Even if it was a brief time.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.