Former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard Found Dead; Was Missing Since Swimming Incident At Venice Beach

Professional wrestler Shad Gaspard was missing after getting caught in a strong rip current at the Venice beach. His body was discovered near the beach on Wednesday morning.

New Delhi: Former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard, who went missing after being caught in a strong rip current at Venice beach, was found dead on Wednesday (May 20). He was 39.  According to a report in Fox News, a washed up body was found near Venice Beach on Wednesday morning . The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that the dead body was identified as Shad Gaspard. The wrestler’s family has been informed about his death. Shad Gaspard was swept away by a rip current while swimming with his 10-year-old son on Sunday. He reportedly asked the lifeguards to save us his son first. The ex professional wrestler's son and other swimmers safely made it out of water while he went missing. Gaspard's family had earlier issued a statement on Instagram, which read: "We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad. Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad."

WWE issued a statement after Shad Gaspard's death on social media and extended condolence to his family. "WWE is saddened to learn that former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard has passed away at the age of 39. Gaspard had gone missing while swimming with his son at Venice Beach in California on May 17. In his final act, Gaspard instructed lifeguards to save his son’s life. WWE extends its condolences to Gaspard’s family, friends and fans," the statement read.

Former WWE Women's Champion Madusa mourned Shad's death on Twitter. She tweeted, "RIP... #Shadgaspard  condolences to his beautiful wife and amazing son. You will forever be in our prayersGrowing heart."

Shad Gaspard was fondly known for being part of the duo Cryme Tyme during their stint in WWE. He competed along with JTG ( Jayson Anthony Paul) as a team in WWE's tag team division. Shad was part of WWE's showcase event Wrestlemania 26 in 2010 when he competed in a 26-men battle royal mathc. Although, he challenged several times for the WWE tag team championships, he failed to win any title in the company. We extend our heartiest condolences to Shad’s family.