Former WWE star Shad Gaspard pronounced dead after swimming accident
Shad Gaspard’s lifeless body was discovered by a jogger at Venice Beach on Wednesday (May 20) morning. He was 39.
Three days after former WWE star Shad Gaspard was swept out to sea by a strong riptide at a California beach, officials confirmed on Wednesday (May 20) morning that a lifeless body that was discovered at 1:30 a.m. by a jogger is his.
Video was taken of the scene today that shows members of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department surrounding the body. A woman who resembled Shad’s wife, Siliana Gaspard, as well as a coroner, are also present in the footage.
On Sunday (May 17), Shad along with his 10-year-old son, went for a swim at Marina Del Rey Beach. Los Angeles county beaches were reopened last week for the first time in weeks since social distancing became the new norm. So, the Gaspard family decided to have a family day in the waters. Unfortunately, things soon took a turn for the worse. When Shad and his son were about 50 yards offshore, they both got caught in a riptide, New York Post and a number of other outlets report.
“A witness told TMZ that Gaspard told lifeguards to save his son first. They were unable to get to the 6-foot-6, 270-pound athlete, who was overcome by a wave,” the newspaper reads. “Divers had been searching for Gaspard since, while his family had remained hopeful, calling him ‘a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul.’”
However, sad news arrived this morning, and family members of the former athlete, fans, and fellow members of the wrestling community, alike, are devastated by the loss.
Gaspard joined the WWE in 2003 where he gained prominence as one half of Cryme Tyme with his partner JTG. Sharing a touching message from his now-deceased partner in cryme, a text Shad sent JTG back in January read, “If I ever die tomorrow just know I Love you as a brother and friend for ever, even past this life.”
“I join fans around the world as we remember Shad Gaspard as a beloved performer and a caring father,” Triple H also tweeted in response to a WWE message about Shad’s death. “In absolutely tragic circumstances, please keep his loved ones in your thoughts.”
See that and more Twitter reactions below.