Update on former WWE Wrestler Swept out to Sea by Huge Riptide: Shad Gaspard’s Body Found on Venice Beach(Gaspard Dead at age 39)

from www.tmz.com:Click On the TMZ link and you see more and learn more about Shad Gaspard…

The L.A. County Coroner has identified the body found on L.A.’s Venice Beach as ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard … TMZ Sports has learned.

The body was first seen on the beach by a citizen who called police around 1:30 AM Wednesday … according to our law enforcement sources. We’re told officers responded and recovered the body right near Venice Pier.

The L.A. Fire Department held a news conference Wednesday morning, saying the body matches the description of Shad … a 6’6″ black male over 240 lbs.

**********Shad Gaspard went missing on Sunday afternoon when a group of swimmers, including Shad and his son, Aryeh, got caught in a rip current south of the Pier.

Shad heroically told lifeguards to focus on getting his 10-year-old son to shore safely, but when they returned he’d gone under.**********

++++++++++WWE issued the following updated statement on Gaspard’s passing this morning:++++++++++

Shad Gaspard passes away
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.

Gaspard was best known in WWE as one-half of Cryme Tyme with JTG. The fan-favorite duo memorably joined forces with John Cena during his 2008 rivalry with JBL, and competed for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam 2009. Shad and JTG would later square off in heated fashion after a falling out in 2010.

Before entering the squared circle, Gaspard played basketball at Georgia Perimeter College. He was also a former bodyguard for P.Diddy, Britney Spears and Mike Tyson.

Admired by friends and colleagues for his warmth and humor, Gaspard was no stranger to heroic deeds. In 2016, he broke up an armed robbery in Coral Springs, Fla., pinning the suspect to the ground until police arrived.

Gaspard was also a multitalented individual, creating his own graphic novel and acting in several TV shows and films, including “Brothers” and “Think Like a Man Too.”

WWE extends its condolences to Gaspard’s family, friends and fans.

from WXII TV 12 and CNN by way of WXII TV/CLICK HERE

Former WWE star Shad Gaspard is missing after he was swept out to sea while swimming

Former WWE star Shad Gaspard is still missing after he was swept out to sea while swimming at a California beach, police said.

Gaspard, 39, was at the newly reopened Marina Del Rey Beach in Venice Beach on Sunday.

He was swimming about 50 yards from shore, Los Angeles police said.

“When last seen by the lifeguard, a wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea,” the department said.

“If you’ve seen him please call 911 or Dm family,” his wife, Siliana Gaspard, said on her Instagram account.

The same message appeared on the wrestler’s Instagram. One of the photos showed Gaspard in a swimsuit standing on a beach.

WWE star Kofi Kingston, Montel Vontavious Porter and Gregory Shane Helms were among the wrestlers that tweeted a statement on behalf of Gaspard’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.”

The U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles County lifeguards and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are all looking for the swimmer, Trina Schrader, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s department, said.

“Weather permitting we’ll look for him in the air,” Schrader added. “We’re using all resources to try to recover him as soon as possible.”

Pono Barnes, ocean lifeguard specialist with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, told CNN two swimmers were caught in a rip current, and one, a young boy, was rescued.

Los Angeles County reopened its beaches last Wednesday for physical activities, which includes walking, running and swimming. The beach had been closed to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

A Twitter account for the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Lifeguard Division said they performed 452 ocean rescues between Friday, May 15 and Sunday, May 17 — marking “a busy weekend at the beach.”

Gaspard is best known for being a member of the wrestling team Cryme Tyme with fellow WWE star JTG, which debuted in 2006. After leaving WWE in 2010, he pursued an acting career and has appeared in films “Think Like a Man Too” and “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time,” according to imdb.

He is married and has a 10-year-old son.

6 thoughts on “Update on former WWE Wrestler Swept out to Sea by Huge Riptide: Shad Gaspard’s Body Found on Venice Beach(Gaspard Dead at age 39)

  1. The United States Coast Guard has suspended the search for former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard, according to TMZ.

    There was at least one boat still searching for the 39 year old Gaspard this morning, but it was noted that the chances of finding Gaspard are fading fast.

    While the search has been suspended, the case will not be closed until officials find Gaspard, who is still considered a missing person. The search efforts have been drastically scaled back for now, according to the latest report.

  2. Authorities from at least one agency in the Los Angeles area are still searching for former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard.

    The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to FOX News that they are still looking for Gaspard after he went missing while swimming near Venice Beach on Sunday, amid reports that the United States Coast Guard has suspended its search.

    As noted earlier today, via TMZ, the Coast Guard suspended its search for the 39 year old Gaspard. There was at least one boat still looking for Gaspard this morning, but search efforts were drastically scaled back. It was also reported that the case will not be closed until authorities find Gaspard, who is still considered a missing person.

  3. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon took to Twitter today and commented on former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard, who went missing while swimming in a strong rip current near Venice Beach on Sunday.

    “The thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Shad Gaspard’s family during this difficult time,” Vince wrote.

    WWE also issued a statement on Twitter:

    “WWE’s thoughts are with the family of Shad Gaspard. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

  4. from http://www.wrestlinginc.com:

    An unidentified body was found in the sand on Venice Beach on Wednesday morning, near where former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard went missing on Sunday while swimming with his 10 year old son.

    KTLA reports that the discovery was made about halfway between the Venice Beach pier and the lifeguard headquarters by two people walking on the beach at around 1:30am local time, according to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson.

    The body reportedly washed ashore and did not show any initial signs of foul play. No information regarding the sex, age or race of the body was released.

    “At this stage, because of sensitivity, I don’t want to disclose that,” the LAPD spokesperson said of the identity.

  5. Mario Ramirez

    @MarioFOXLA
    UPDATE: officials confirm description of pro wrestler Shad Gaspard matches that of the body discovered after washing up on shore in Venice Beach..

  6. Bryan Alvarez
    @bryanalvarez
    They found Shad at 1:45 AM, still in his shorts, identified him immediately.

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