Former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard has been missing since Sunday. At the time of his disappearance, Gaspard was swimming with his 10-year-old son when the pair were pulled into the sea.
Shad’s son was rescued, but the former WWE superstar disappeared into the waves and has not been found.
U.S. Coast Guard Suspends The Search
Today the U.S. Coast Guard suspended the search for former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard.
Gaspard has been missing since 4pm on Sunday.
Dave Meltzer sent out a tweet shortly after the incident occurred:
Regarding Shad Gaspard, just heard from a friend at the location right now. It does not look good, they continued the search this morning and no sign of him.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) May 18, 2020
While the U.S. Coast Guard officially stopped the search, one boat was still looking for Gaspard this morning. Unfortunately, chances of finding the former WWE wrestler alive are now seriously reduced.
Gaspard Wanted His Son Saved First
According to TMZ, an unexpected current hit a group of swimmers at Venice Beach. Lifeguards responded promptly and fought to save everyone.
When the lifeguards made it to Gaspard, he instructed them to save his son first. Unfortunately, lifeguards never made it back to Gaspard, as another unexpected wave pulled him under.
Since the wave hit, nobody has seen Gaspard. Authorities asked locals to keep an eye out for the former wrestling star, but so far he hasn’t been spotted.
Wrestling Stars Respond To The Tragedy At Venice Beach
After Shad Gaspard disappeared on Venice Beach, a number of wrestlers responded to the tragedy. Some of the superstars who responded to the Venice Beach tragedy include Chris Jericho, MVP, Kevin Owens and many others.
I just read the awful news about Shad Gaspard. I can’t imagine what his family is going through. My thoughts go out to them.
— Kevinn (@FightOwensFight) May 18, 2020
Shad Gaspard had a HUGE heart. He was like an annoying little brother at times. We often gave eachother a hard time, but always with love! He always had a big smile on his face and was ready to share a laugh! I have… https://t.co/YC1VaiEAoi
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 18, 2020
Very sorry & sad to hear about the disappearance of @Shadbeast today. He was a fun cat and I always had a blast working with him. This clip is from a title match that @wwethebigshow & I had vs #ShadGaspard &… https://t.co/m4URn9IlxD
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) May 18, 2020
This news about Shad Gaspard is just heartbreaking …… 🙏
— Bill Goldberg (@Goldberg) May 18, 2020
Gaspard’s WWE Career
Not all our readers may remember Shad Gaspard, but he had promising career in the WWE. In fact, he was one half of the popular tag team Cryme Tyme.
While Cryme Tyme never had an official title run, the team of JTG and Shad Gaspard was one of the most popular teams ever in the company. In fact, we recently named Cryme Tyme as one of the 10 brilliant tag teams who never got a title run.
Gaspard was discovered by the WWE through their reality show Tough Enough. However, after failing a physical he was disqualified from the competition.
Shad’s talent stood out though, as he was picked up by Tom Prichard and then trained by DeWayne Bruce over a period of six months.
He would make his professional wrestling debut for Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2006.
Gaspard debuted on the main roster as a member of The Gang Stars in late 2006. He would later become a member of Cryme Tyme, which would be introduced to the main roster with a number of vignettes.
Cryme Tyme Released
Unfortunately, Cryme Tyme were released for an undisclosed reason. Shad and JTG would leave the WWE in 2007, but eventually returned in 2008 after a stint in the indies.
Gaspard would be released from the WWE again in 2010, after which he hit the indies, including Japanese promotion IGF. He would also reform his old tag team under the name “Crime Time.”
We wish Shad’s family strength in these difficult times. Hopefully, he will be found safe and sound.
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