The “Baywatch Curse” has claimed another life, as one of its most iconic stars, Michael Newman, has passed away at the age of 68 due to heart complications.

The former TV star had shared that his battle with Parkinson’s disease “gave him wisdom” and that he was “cherishing the days I get to be on this earth” before his death. Newman passed away on Sunday evening due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, according to reports.

 

His close friend, Matt Felker, confirmed the sad news, stating that Newman passed away “surrounded by his family and friends.” Felker, who directed the recent Hulu docu-series *After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun*, told *People* that he saw Newman for the last time while he was still conscious. In typical Mike fashion, Newman greeted him by saying, “You’re just in time.”

Following Newman’s passing, Felker shared a tribute on Instagram, writing, “I’m your biggest fan buddy.”

In an interview, Newman explained that he took part in the docu-series to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, hoping to inspire donations for research. He told *Digital Journal*, “Hopefully, it will inspire people to open their pocketbooks and generate some income to help fund research to find a cure for Parkinson’s.”

 

Newman, who took 10 medications daily, was diagnosed with the disease in 2006 at the age of 50. In August, he opened up about his diagnosis, expressing how much he was “cherishing the days I get to be on this earth with family and friends.”

Reflecting on his journey, Newman said, “This terminal disease has given me a lot of time to think, which I might not have wanted, but it’s brought me wisdom. My body has changed so gradually that I hardly notice, yet Parkinson’s is now at the center of my life.”