Yesterday (May 17), former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard was swimming with his ten year old son at Venice Beach in California. According to TMZ, the pair were among a group of people who were caught in a rip current (a strong underwater current that flows away from the shore, caused by waves breaking near beaches) at approximately 4 p.m. local time.
A witness said that Gaspard directed lifeguards to save his boy before they assisted him. During that successful rescue, another wave rolled in, after which the veteran wrestler wasn’t seen again. A search is ongoing, with an unnamed official working with the Los Angeles Fire Department telling TMZ they believe the 39 year old “did submerge”. Divers and helicopters have been part of the rescue operation, but have been unable to find Gaspard.
His wife Siliana, who was with Shad and their son at the beach, has posted this flier to her Instagram:
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Gaspard signed with WWE in 2002, and had a multi-year run on the main roster with JTG as Cryme Tyme. He was released from the company in 2010 and has since been acting and performing on the independents.