A body found on Venice Beach, CA early Wednesday morning has been identified as former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard per the Los Angeles Police Department and KTLA. Gaspard had been missing since Sunday after getting caught in a riptide with his 10-year-old son and a group of swimmers. Gaspard instructed lifeguards to save his son and was submerged underwater by […]
A body found on Venice Beach, CA early Wednesday morning has been identified as former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard per the Los Angeles Police Department and KTLA.
Gaspard had been missing since Sunday after getting caught in a riptide with his 10-year-old son and a group of swimmers. Gaspard instructed lifeguards to save his son and was submerged underwater by the time they went back to save him.
This is a truly heartbreaking story and a tragedy no family should ever have to go through. By all accounts, Gaspard was a very nice man, great husband and father, and in his final moments, a hero. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
My Love, Thoughts, Prayers and Support Go out to The Family of Shad Gaspard. Nothing will ever Fix the loss of a loved one. As a Universe We owe it to ourselves and to others to Be a Positive Light in this world as long as we can Because Nothing is Ever Guaranteed. #RIPSHAD ❤️🙏🏿
— Titus O’Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) May 20, 2020
I’ve never seen that face without a smile.💔🖤 RIP Shad. pic.twitter.com/jtYSTGdOGg
— Daria Berenato (@SonyaDevilleWWE) May 20, 2020
Without you, I would have never found VIP Wrestling. Without you, I would have never found my wrestling school. Without you, I would have never met everyone I love at DFW AP. Without you, there would be no Davina Campbell.
— Davina Campbell (@Davina_Campbell) May 20, 2020
Thank you for telling me to go for it.#RIPShadGaspard pic.twitter.com/ggqnnKQpZU
Shad posted this the last time we got to hang out. That’s how we was. He wanted people to know how he felt and I loved that about him. He was always smiling, always planning something, and always just so positive.… https://t.co/fPdPKzgMQA
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) May 20, 2020
Shad will always be greatly missed by everyone who’s ever known him. An amazing man who always had the most positive energy and happiness. Always. Thinking of him and his family. Heartbroken by this #RIPSHAD ❤️❤️❤️
— Gail Kim-Irvine (@gailkimITSME) May 20, 2020
I have every intention of fulfilling his dream of turning his treasured work into reality and it will be made. – Siliana
— Shad Gaspard (@Shadbeast) May 19, 2020
Never did the meaning “brother “mean more to me than it did with #ShadGaspard. I’ll never forget the day Shad posted these pics of us early 20 something-year-olds,& illustrating our pathway through life’s accomplishments & into fatherhood side by side 4 20 years!I love u brother pic.twitter.com/jJSDCuWnk5
— Matt Morgan (@BPmattmorgan) May 19, 2020
My prayers and hope for Shad Gaspard’s wife, son and family during this unthinkable time. Man, this is a tough one. A really tough one.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 20, 2020
Great guy.
— 🥀 Ever After OUT NOW! (@itsLioRush) May 20, 2020
Shad died a hero, saving his son’s life. As a parent, there are no words to even explain that. He was a really positive & funny guy every time we spoke, just a good dude. Prayers for his family during this horrible time. #RIPShadGaspard 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qD5GkNUyje
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) May 20, 2020
Original Story below:
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
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.