This past Sunday, news surfaced that former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard was missing after he was caught up in a riptide at Venice Beach. After the Coast Guard suspended their search for him, family, friends, and fans were hoping for the best but bracing for the worst.
Sadly, the worst was confirmed as Gaspard’s body was washed ashore and discovered by a jogger overnight. Authorities confirmed it was the 39-year-0ld Gaspard who had been found dead.
Gaspard’s family was at Venice Beach on Sunday as beaches reopened in Los Angeles. Amid rough waters, Gaspard and his 10-year-old son were both caught in the current and lifeguards went out to try and save both of them. Gaspard told lifeguards to save his son first which they did, and the kid was fine. As they went back for Gaspard, he disappeared under the waves and was unable to be saved.
Gaspard wrestled in WWE throughout the 2000s and, wrestling under his real name, partnered with JTG in the tag team Cryme Tyme. After leaving WWE in 2010, Gaspard became an actor and was in Get Hard, Key & Peele, and The Last Sharknado. WWE put out a statement on Gaspard’s death, remembering him as a hero, and sent their condolences.
Many who knew Gaspard remembered him as a family man and a loving father, exemplified even in his final moments by making sure his son was saved. While the confirmation of his untimely death has got to be unthinkable, they can begin to have closure now that Gaspard’s body was found.
[ESPN/Photo: WWE]
