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David Hasselhoff's statement on the death of “Baywatch” co-star Michael Newman


David Hasselhoff's statement on the death of “Baywatch” co-star Michael Newman

David Hasselhoff, 72, has spoken out about his Baywatch co-star Michael Newman, who has died aged 68.

Newman died on Sunday, but news of his death did not spread until Tuesday.

Hassellhoff told The Post in a statement: “Newman was a warrior…he literally saved my life at least four times.” He nailed the transfer from scarab to jet ski several times. What a great man. He was never afraid of the water.”

Hasselhof also recalled, “I remember directing a few episodes and he was really good.” He became a great actor. We will all miss him.”

Donna D'Errico, Jose Solano, Michael Newman, Marliece Andrada, Michael Bergin, David Hasselhoff, Angelica Bridges, Jeremy Jackson, Traci Bingham, Carmen Electra, David Chokachi, Kelly Packard on “Baywatch”. Everett/Shutterstock
Donna D'Errico, Michael Newman and Traci Bingham in “Baywatch” in 1996. Getty Images

Newman, who played lifeguard Mike “Newmie” Newman on “Baywatch,” died 18 years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The actor was 50 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2006.

The news was confirmed Tuesday by Newman's close friend Matt Felker, who recently directed the Hulu docuseries about “Baywatch.”

The late actor died “of heart complications” on Sunday evening, “surrounded by his family and friends.”

Newman was the only “Baywatch” cast member who was a real lifeguard. He appeared in 150 episodes of the series, more than anyone except Hasselhoff.

He was also a full-time firefighter during his starring role in Baywatch. After the show ended in 2001, he returned to the fire department until he retired after 25 years.

Michael Newman on Baywatch. Getty Images
Mike Newman, Donna D'Errico, Jeremy Jackson, Nancy Valen, Gena Lee Nolin, Jose Solano, Yasmine Bleeth, David Chokachi, Traci Bingham, David Hasselhoff in Baywatch. Fremantle Media/Shutterstock

Since news of his death broke on Tuesday, fellow “Baywatch” star Nicole Eggert has also shared a tribute.

“Michael 'Newmie' Newman was an inspiration to everyone. From his knowledge, skills and willingness to share to his long battle with Parkinson’s disease, he was a beacon of strength,” Eggert, 52, said in a statement to The Post on Tuesday.

“The beaches will never be the same and my condolences go out to his family at this time of tremendous loss,” she continued. “May he rest easy and continue to catch waves forever.”

In the final years of his life, Newman spent his time raising money at the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson's.

The late “Baywatch” lifeguard is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sarah, their children Chris and Emily, and their one-year-old granddaughter Charlie.

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