At just 39 years old, former WWE star Shad Gaspard died this week under tragic circumstances.
He and his son were swimming in Venice Beach on May 17, and ripe current took them both out to sea. Gaspard asked lifeguards to save his 10-year-old son first and eventually, Shad went missing.
On Wednesday, a body washed up on the shore and officials confirmed it was indeed the ex-pro wrestler’s.
Gaspard was known for being a part of the tag team Cryme Tyme and in 2017, he made headlines for putting a gas-station robber in a rear choke hold.
Here’s the reaction from the WWE world:
WWE is saddened to learn that former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard has passed away at the age of 39. https://t.co/ngyuRpkjps
— WWE (@WWE) May 20, 2020
#RIPShadGaspard pic.twitter.com/vVw4nwUrEH
— WWE Network (@WWENetwork) May 20, 2020
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. https://t.co/JibfmJJMcC
— Triple H (@TripleH) May 20, 2020
RIP Shad You truly have a magical soul. Always made everyone laugh and smile. You will be so missed by so many. You are truly a superhero, forever and always. So many thoughts, prayers, love and light to his family.
N https://t.co/12di0lrcpS— Nikki & Brie (@BellaTwins) May 20, 2020
Sending my love and prayers to Shad loved ones during this time. #RIPShadGaspard
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) May 20, 2020
— Leah Van Dale (@CarmellaWWE) May 20, 2020
Just gave him a #BrotherHug at Staples Center last time we were in town..
Being a father, I feel deeply for his family n friends.
Fuck the heat, love each other.
Rest Easy #GoodBrother , Shad.— Karl Anderson (@MachineGunKA) May 20, 2020
— Dean Muhtadi (@MojoRawleyWWE) May 20, 2020
My Love, Thoughts, Prayers and Support Go out to The Family of Shad Gaspard. Nothing will ever Fix the loss of a loved one. As a Universe We owe it to ourselves and to others to Be a Positive Light in this world as long as we can Because Nothing is Ever Guaranteed. #RIPSHAD
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) May 20, 2020
— Apollo (@WWEApollo) May 20, 2020
— Renee Young (@ReneeYoungWWE) May 20, 2020
— Ms. WrestleMania (@MsCharlotteWWE) May 20, 2020
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 https://t.co/2rDobmhbJB
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) May 20, 2020
Goodbye, my friend.
My thoughts are with Shad’s family. I can’t fathom their loss.— Florida Man (@WWEBigE) May 20, 2020
My heart is heavy praying for the entire Gaspard’s family pic.twitter.com/3VGbptAHbn
— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) May 20, 2020
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