Former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard has been found dead at the age of 39.
Gaspard went missing May 17 after a rip current swept him and his son out to sea in Venice Beach, Calif.
The Coast Guard suspended its search for Gaspard on May 19.
Gaspard and his 10-year-old son were caught in the current when Gaspard signaled and called to lifeguards to save his son first. Gaspard's son was rescued, while the elder Gaspard went missing.
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
Gaspard, whose most memorable spent time in WWE was as part of the Cryme Tyme tag team alongside JTG (real name Jayson Anthony Paul), last wrestled for the company in 2010.
He was also known for stopping a potential armed robbery in 2016.
The wrestling community poured out love and well wishes for Gaspard and his family:
— JTG (@Jtg1284) May 19, 2020
Along with everyone else, I hoped that Shad would make it home safe. Rest In Peace, Shad Gaspard, knowing that your son is alive because of your sacrifice.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) May 20, 2020
I don’t know that this matters. But I feel compelled and very honored to do so. I’m dedicating my performance in this Saturdays Casino Ladder Match to Shad Gaspard and his family. A friend, gentleman and hero the likes we should all aspire to be. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/wa0cQpd7PL
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) May 20, 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.
Shad Gaspard had a HUGE heart. He was like an annoying little brother at times. We often gave eachother a hard time, but always with love! He always had a big smile on his face and was ready to share a laugh! I have… https://t.co/YC1VaiEAoi
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 18, 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
THE SHAD GASPARD I LOVE YOU FOREVER
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) May 18, 2020
I just read the awful news about Shad Gaspard. I can’t imagine what his family is going through. My thoughts go out to them.
— Kevin (@FightOwensFight) May 18, 2020
Very sorry & sad to hear about the disappearance of @Shadbeast today. He was a fun cat and I always had a blast working with him. This clip is from a title match that @wwethebigshow & I had vs #ShadGaspard &… https://t.co/m4URn9IlxD
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) May 18, 2020
Please pray for @Shadbeast to be found!! His family needs your prayers badly!! 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/xA3DKQ8GHc
— Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) May 19, 2020
