Actor Michael Newman, known from Baywatch, died on Sunday at the age of 68.

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

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

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

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

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

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