We are very sad to report the passing of WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard. If you’ll recall, over the weekend, Gaspard and his family were enjoying the Sunday weather while at Marina Del Rey, when the pair were caught in a riptide.
Reports at the time had the responding rescue team attempting to resuscitate Gaspard’s 10-year old son, which they were able to do. While at the same time a riptide pulled Gaspard under. They were unable to locate Gaspard for several days.
“When last seen by the lifeguard, a wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea,” the department said.
Just this morning, the Coast Guard reported a person discovering Gaspard’s body, washed up on Venice Beach.
“The decedent was identified as Shad Gaspard,” police said. His family members have reportedly been notified.
The WWE has since released a statement about the passing of Shad Gaspard, which you can read below:
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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.
Gaspard was best known in WWE as one-half of Cryme Tyme with JTG. The fan-favorite duo memorably joined forces with John Cena during his 2008 rivalry with JBL, and competed for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam 2009. Shad and JTG would later square off in heated fashion after a falling out in 2010.
Before entering the squared circle, Gaspard played basketball at Georgia Perimeter College. He was also a former bodyguard for P.Diddy, Britney Spears and Mike Tyson.
Admired by friends and colleagues for his warmth and humor, Gaspard was no stranger to heroic deeds. In 2016, he broke up an armed robbery in Coral Springs, Fla., pinning the suspect to the ground until police arrived.
Gaspard was also a multitalented individual, creating his own graphic novel and acting in several TV shows and films, including “Brothers” and “Think Like a Man Too.”
WWE extends its condolences to Gaspard’s family, friends and fans.”
