Wrestling
Former WWE Wrestler Shad Gaspard Missing After Caught in Riptide
The search for Shad Gaspard takes a grim turn.
Update #3 – 5/20/20: Gaspard’s has been found on Venice Beach. What a tragic story. Our deepest condolences go out to Gaspard’s loved ones. May he rest in peace.
UPDATE: officials confirm description of pro wrestler Shad Gaspard matches that of the body discovered after washing up on shore in Venice Beach. @FOXLA @GDLA @LACoLifeguards 💔 pic.twitter.com/1EGKkglcNf
— Mario Ramirez (@MarioFOXLA) May 20, 2020
Update #2 – 5/19/20, 1:49pm/ET via FoxNews.com:
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed it is still looking for former WWE pro Shad Gaspard after he went missing while swimming near Venice Beach in Los Angeles Sunday amid reports that the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search.
A representative for the Los Angeles Police Department told Fox News that its efforts to search for Gaspard have not been suspended. However, the representative could not speak for other agencies involved with the search.
Fox News
Update 5/19/20, 1:38pm/ET via TMZ Sports:
The search to find Shad Gaspard has been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard tells us. We know there was at least one boat still searching for Gaspard on Tuesday morning … but it’s become clear the chances of finding the ex-WWE star are fading fast. We’re told the case will not be closed until officials find the missing person — but for now, the efforts have been drastically scaled back.
TMZ.com
Update 10:48pm/ET via WWE’s MVP on behalf of Gaspard’s family: Tweeted at the request of Shad’s family.@Shadbeast ‘s family appreciates all the love, support, and concern through this horrible ordeal. At this time they are not ready to make any public or official statements to any media outlet And ask all to respect their wishes.
In absolutely horrifying wrestling and real life news, former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard has gone missing after swimming at the beach on Sunday per TMZ.com and his wife Siliana.
Gaspard, his 10-year-old son, and a group of swimmers were caught in a strong riptide. While Gaspard’s son was rescued at the direction of Gaspard himself, the wrestler has yet to be found as of around 4pm/PT Sunday. As of press time, the search is still on for Gaspard.
We here at TSC News are hoping and praying for a miracle.
Gaspard is best known for his WWE run as part of the Cryme Tyme tag team with JTG from 2006-2010. Since being released by WWE in 2010, Gaspard has worked on over a dozen films and TV shows as an actor and stuntman, along with stunt/motion capture credits for hit video games God of War and Telltale Games’ Batman: The Enemy Within.
Additional details via TMZ Sports:
One official working with the L.A. Fire Dept. told media they believe the 39-year-old “did submerge.”
Divers were sent to scour the area. Helicopters were searching from above. One witness at the scene tells us … when lifeguards raced into the ocean, Gaspard directed rescuers to help his son first, which they did.
During the rescue, we’re told another big wave crashed down on Gaspard — and that’s the last time he was seen.
TMZ.com
Divers are getting back in the water to search for a father who got swept away in rip currents last night. TMZ has identified him as former #WWE star Shad Gaspard. His 10 yr old son was rescued. @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/rBpKiasD3G
— Tina Patel (@tina_patel) May 18, 2020
Just got another message on site re. Shad. Bleak is probably an optimistic term. Crushed.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) May 18, 2020
Fred Richani
Fred Richani is the Host/Producer of "TSC News" airing on Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN TV) and founder of popular YouTube channels The Sports Courier and TSC Gaming and Entertainment.