We bring you some sad news this morning as NBC Los Angeles has confirmed former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard was found dead overnight.
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
A local jogger discovered the 39-year-old’s body on the beach at 1:30AM local time. Officers responded and recovered the body near Venice Pear and confirmed the body matched a description of Gaspard. The LA County Fire Department has now confirmed this.
As reported several days ago, Gaspard disappeared this past Sunday afternoon at Venice Beach when a strong wave pulled him underwater. A rip tide resulted in the struggle, with Gaspard directing rescuers to save his 10-year-old Aryeh Gaspard before his disappearance.
Our condolences to friends and family of Shad Gaspard, whose final act was to heroically save his young son.
Update:
WWE has paid tribute to Gaspard with this article and also a tweet from Vince McMahon:
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.
The thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Shad Gaspard’s family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/dLRnF6oElX
— Vince McMahon (@VinceMcMahon) May 19, 2020
