Frosty Freeze, a member of pioneering b-boy crew the Rock Steady Crew, died on Thursday (April 4) in New York.

According to the Associated Press, the break dancer (real name: Wayne Frost) died at Mount Sinai Medical Center after a long illness, which was not disclosed.

He was just 44 years old.

"He was one of most charismatic b-boys that ever lived," Benson Lee, director of the new documentary film "Planet B-Boy," told the AP.

Known for acrobatic flips and innovative dance moves -- and the creator of the "Suicide" flip, where one flips in the air and lands flat on his/her back -- Frost starred several films in 80s including "Style Wars," the classic "Wild Style," and "Flashdance." The latter set off a worldwide break dancing craze.

His crew, the Rock Steady Crew, was founded in 1977 in the Bronx and gained notoriety in the 80s as its members -- including Mr. Frost, Mr. Pabon, Crazy Legs, Ken Swift and others -- brought their dance moves across the world.

Most recently, the Crew was honored at the 2004 VH1 Hip-Hop Honors, and celebrated its 30th anniversary in July with a reunion and performance.

Frost is survived by a brother and two sisters.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete at press time.