*Former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard was found dead Wednesday morning after going missing while swimming over the weekend.
Gaspard and his 10-year-old son got caught in a rip current while swimming in Venice Beach, California on May 17.
As noted by NBC News, Shad was about 50 yards offshore when a lifeguard saw a “wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday.
“He was going to try to rescue both,” said Chief Ken Haskett, with the fire department’s Lifeguard Section. “But the father, in his last few words, said, ‘Save my son.’ “
The lifeguard tried to pull Gaspard and his son to safety but according to Haskett Gaspard pushed his son to the lifeguard before “he got pushed back down under a wave, and that’s the last he’s been seen,” Haskett said.
His body was discovered by a beach goer along the shoreline around 1:25 a.m. Wednesday morning, according to the report.
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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 is best known in WWE as one-half of the tag team “Cryme Tyme” with JTG (real name Jayson Anthony Paul).
He was also known for stopping a potential armed robbery in 2016.
Current and former WWE Superstars, and colleagues from the professional wrestling world, are mourning his passing across social media.
“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.
Great guy,” actor and former WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote on Twitter.
Former wrestler-turned WWE executive Triple H posted, “I join fans around the world as we remember Shad Gaspard as a beloved performer and a caring father. In absolutely tragic circumstances, please keep his loved ones in your thoughts.”
Radio DJ Pete Rsenberg also shared, “Shad Gaspard died a hero — sending help to his son who was also in need. By all accounts, he was an amazing human being. I wish I had gotten to know him. Rest Easy Shad. Praying for your family and friends.”
Gaspard’s wife, Siliana Gaspard, confirmed his disappearance in an Instagram Story post on Monday.
“Missing!!! Last seen wearing swim shorts,” she wrote at the time. “If you have seen Shad, please message me. Please don’t flood me asking what happened. We want to know if he’s been seen and where. Thank you.”
The following day thanked city officials who were still searching for her husband.
“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,” she wrote on Instagram. “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.”
The Brooklyn-born WWE star last wrestled for the organization in November 2010, during which he won a match against Jesse Guyver.
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