UPDATE: WWE pro Shad Gaspard’s body recovered off Southern California coast
The body of former World Wrestling Entertainment pro Shad Gaspard was recovered early Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Fire Department, according to ABC7, responded to an area near Lifeguard Tower 26 at Venice Beach at about 1:46 a.m. after being contacted by police of a body that reportedly washed ashore.
#PierIC at 2:19AM @lacolifeguards @LACOFD @LAPDHQ respond to #VenicePier to a report of a body along the shoreline that matches the description of Sunday’s missing swimmer. Crews on-scene extricate from the water and transfer to @lacountymec pic.twitter.com/b5xYmCOBkj— LACoFD Lifeguards (@LACoLifeguards) May 20, 2020
Later Wednesday morning, Los Angeles County lifeguards confirmed the body as Gaspard, who was reportedly swept out to sea in Southern California last weekend while swimming with his young son.
BREAKING: @LACoLifeguards confirm body found washed up on Venice Beach this morning matches that of WWE star Shad Gaspard, who went missing Sunday afternoon. @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/i1RuITRJCu— Tina Patel (@tina_patel) May 20, 2020
Gaspard’s 10-year-old son, Aryeh, was rescued, and several other swimmers made it out of the water safely after they were caught in a rip current Sunday afternoon at Venice Beach in Los Angeles. “When last seen by the lifeguard, a wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea,” Los Angeles police said in a statement Monday.
His wife, Siliana Gaspard, issued a statement Tuesday thanking authorities and fans. “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,” the statement said. The statement added: “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.
Gaspard gained prominence in the WWE as half of the tag-team group Cryme Time, along with his partner, JTG. After retiring from the WWE in 2010, Gaspard has had small roles on TV and in movies, including the 2015 Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard.”
His wife, Siliana Gaspard, issued a statement Tuesday thanking authorities and fans. “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,” the statement said. The statement added: “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.
Gaspard gained prominence in the WWE as half of the tag-team group Cryme Time, along with his partner, JTG. After retiring from the WWE in 2010, Gaspard has had small roles on TV and in movies, including the 2015 Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard.”
