Ex WWE fighter Shad Gaspard was reported missing last weekend off the coast of Venice Beach.
Shad, who was having a good time at the beach with his wife and son, ended up with a group of swimmers who were pulled in by the tide at Venice Beach. But, in the end, Shad was the only one who went down, as per KABC-TV news affiliate.
The group saw themselves stuck in one of the rip currents and were located in the north of the lifeguard’s tower, according to Pono Barnes, a lifeguard expert.
“That’s why lifeguards were able to get there so soon, but unfortunately, one did, however, submerge.”
Shad Gaspard, former WWE star and 1/2 of WWE tag team Cryme Tyme, is missing. He and his 10 year old son were among a group of people swimming at Venice Beach when a strong rip current came through. Lifeguards went into action, but Shad directed them to help his son first. pic.twitter.com/sz0oZtinAt
— On The Sidelines (@otsguys) May 18, 2020
As per eyewitness accounts, Shad asked rescuers to save his son – which they eventually did – before another big wave came crashing down.
The former WWE tag team champion was not seen again afterward.
“We had one of our lifeguards go out to make a double rescue of a father and a son,” said LA County Fire Department’s Kenichi Haskett.
“The father unfortunately got pushed down by a wave as they were getting pulled out of the current. The lifeguard rescued and grabbed the boy, the son, and tried to grab the father as well. He ended up getting pushed down by a wave and we couldn’t find him and we immediately started with our rescue boats, called in additional lifeguards to search that location of his dad.”
WWE boss Vince McMahon has also voiced his support for Shad:
Id like to end the night by breaking Kayfabe. I really somehow hope there is a positive outcome to the Shad Gaspard incident. The world is a shitty enough place right as it is without losing another one of our wrestling family. Shad our thoughts are with you and your family. 🙏 X
— Vince McMahon. (@VinceMc_Mahon) May 19, 2020
The search for the wrestler continues in what is becoming a deeply saddening story.
“Every effort will be made to locate this gentleman, he is somebody’s family member, and we all have family, so we will not rest until we feel that every effort has been made to locate him,” said Trina Schrader, a Deputy at the Los Angeles Sheriff Department.
Shad Gaspard Should Get The Warrior Award At The Hall Of Fame
He Risked His Life To Save His Sons
He Also Stopped An Armed Robbery A Few Years Ago
— Lil Johnno #ReleaseTheRaimiCut (@BlakeJo96277043) May 19, 2020
Shad had his last WWE match back in 2010.
He is now 39-years of age. Since ending his contract at the wrestling federation, he had been working independently and landed a number of TV and film roles.
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