Body that washed up on Venice Beach three days after former WWE star Shad Gaspard was pulled out to sea by riptide, matches description of the missing ex-fighter – Police
The body of a male that washed up ashore on Venice Beach in California early Wednesday morning has been identified as former pro-wrestler star Shad Gaspard
Police were flagged down around 1.25am Wednesday by two people who discovered the body on the sand
LA County Lifeguards tweeted the body had matched the description of the missing man – ‘The decedent was identified as Shad Gaspard and next of kin was notified,’ LA police confirmed
Former WWE star Gaspard, 39, had been missing since Sunday when he was swept out to sea while swimming with his 10 year-old son
Gaspard was pulled out to sea by riptide, witnesses said
The wrestler reportedly told lifeguards to save his son first, who was rescued and unharmed
Body washes up on Venice Beach three days after former WWE star Shad Gaspard was pulled out to sea by riptide
His wife of 11 years was seen at the beach Wednesday morning after the body was recovered
Siliana Gaspard was at Venice Beach on Sunday with her family when the riptide washed her husband away
Former WWE star Shad Gaspard, 39, was declared missing after being pulled into sea while swimming at California’s Venice Beach Sunday afternoon with his son Aryeh [left]. His body washed up early Wednesday morning
Gaspard, 39, had been missing since Sunday when he was swept out to sea while swimming with his 10 year-old son Aryeh when he was pulled out to sea by riptide, witnesses said.
The 39-year-old wrestler’s remains were discovered earlier Wednesday morning, three days after he was swept away.
Police said Gaspard was found on the surfline at 2600 Ocean Walk – one mile north from where he was believed to have drowned on Sunday.
The LA police and Fire Departments were called to the scene early Wednesday morning after two people discovered a body on the sand halfway between Venice Beach pier and lifeguard headquarters, police say.
The former WWE star’s wife and relatives gathered at Venice Beach on Wednesday, hours after the missing father’s body washed up on the shore.
Siliana Gaspard was seen standing at the spot where her husband washed up overnight later that morning surrounded by loved ones. The couple had been married 11 years.
Authorities did not release information on the sex and age of the body but LA County lifeguards said the description matches that of the missing father.
Gaspard, 39, has been missing since Sunday afternoon after he was pulled into sea by rip tide while swimming with his 10-year-old son.
Gaspard’s widow Siliana leavening Venice Beach [photo], Wednesday morning after the heart-wrenching identification
LA County lifeguard were at the scene earlier on Wednesday morning after the body washed ashore
Two days into the search the US Coast Guard on Tuesday confirmed it was no longer assisting in the search and the investigation was being led by LAPD.
Matt Morgan posted shared memories of a a close friendship with Shad Gaspard
Many of his former professional colleagues posted a messages of condolence
Friends released a statement on behalf of the family on Monday night thanking the public for their support.
‘[Shad’s] family appreciates all the love, support, and concern through this horrible ordeal. At this time they are not ready to make any public or official statements to any media outlet And ask all to respect their wishes’, Fellow wrestler Kofi Kingston tweeted.
Several friends and members of the wrestling community, including Montel Vontavious Porter, also tweeted the message at the request of the family.
Fellow WWE star JTG, who performed alongside Gaspard in wrestling tag team, ‘Cryme Tyme’, took to Twitter to share a screenshot of a heartfelt conversation he had the missing wrestler in January.
‘If ever I die tomorrow just know I love you as a brother and friend for ever even past this life’, Gaspard wrote, to which JTG replied: ‘Love you too brotha #Nohomo’.
The search was intense on Sunday as the rescue party of divers and rescue boats, with paramedics on standby worked tirelessly alongside the coast guard flying back and forth and helicopters hovering over the crowded beach for nearly three hours.
![Shad Gaspard [left], and JTG [right] 1](https://i0.wp.com/konniemoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Shad-Gaspard-left-and-JTG-right-1.jpg?resize=620%2C560&ssl=1)
WWE wrestling tag team, ‘Cryme Tyme’ – Gaspard [left] and fellow WWE star JTG [right], before retirement
![Siliana Gaspard [left] with friend at spot where husband drowned 3](https://i0.wp.com/konniemoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Siliana-Gaspard-left-with-friend-at-spot-where-husband-drowned-3.jpg?resize=620%2C566&ssl=1)
Siliana Gaspard [left], accompanied by a friend on Wednesday stands at spot where her husband drowned three days earlier
Siliana Gaspard posted a flyer to their social media accounts seeking help from the public in efforts to find her husband
The body he body was transported to the LA County Coroner’s office according to Kenichi Haskett, Section Chief with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Lifeguard Services.
With Memorial weekend approaching, Haskett warned beach goers to stay safe and informed about the water conditions.
Although most beaches generally have signs or flags to indicate safe or unsafe swimming conditions, this type of warning system does not work on the Venice Beach coastline.
Haskett revealed Gaspard had been pulled out about 75 to 100 yards off shore in just a moment’s notice.
‘Having been an ocean lifeguard since 1994 and worked Venice Beach during this time frame to now a full-time lifeguard and chief, I can say our conditions change on an hourly, if not a moment’s notice,’ he said.
‘It could be yellow where we put that flag, and then within a moment it’s red because a rip current has now surfaced. So what we do instead is staff the lifeguard towers in those areas.
‘The flag system at this time isn’t the best system to save people’s lives and protect people. It’s us talking to people, it’s us warning people, it’s us making the preventive measures as to where people can swim.’
![Siliana Gaspard [center] 2](https://i0.wp.com/konniemoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Siliana-Gaspard-center-2.jpg?resize=620%2C399&ssl=1)
Days earlier Siliana Gaspard was seen flanked by close friends as they left Venice Beach while divers continued their search for Shad Gaspard. The search was scaled back Tuesday. The body washed up Wednesday morning
‘We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad,’ the statement said.
‘Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad.’
Siliana Gaspard [L-R], walks Venice Beach on Wednesday morning
After the incident on Sunday Siliana Gaspard remained on the beach till evening, seen staring out into the sea while rescuers conducted a search for her husband
Siliana Gaspard [center], is trailed by family and friends at the scene, after her husband’s body washed up on Venice Beach on Wednesday morning
Grieving Siliana Gaspard is comforted on the beach by friends and family members [right], Wednesday morning
Since leaving the wrestling world in 2010, Gaspard pursued an acting career starring in several movies including Think Like A Man Too.
He married wife Siliana Gaspard in 2009 and they share one son together.
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