UPDATE 2: The family of Gaspard have released a statement thanking fans for their support and love. They’re not ready to make any further statements at this time.
Tweeted at the request of Shad's family.@Shadbeast ‘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.
— MVP (@The305MVP) May 19, 2020
UPDATE: On Wrestling Observer Live, host Bryan Alvarez says he received a text saying the search has been called off. We’ll update with more information as it comes in.
TMZ is reporting that former WWE star Shad Gaspard has gone missing after he and his 10-year oldson went for a swim at Venice Beach on Sunday. Gaspard’s son was rescued by a group of lifeguards in addition to other people caught in a powerful rip current at around 4 PM PST, but Gaspard is still unaccounted for. It was reported by one witness that Gaspard told the lifeguards to bring his son to safety first. According to accounts a big wave crashed down on Gaspard and that’s the last he was seen.
An official working with the Los Angeles Fire Department informed TMZ that they believe Gaspard “did submerge.” A video was shared today as rescuers have continued the search.
LA County Sheriff’s divers just resumed the search for 10-year-old boy’s father who was caught in strong rip currents yesterday. @TMZ confirms father as 39-year-old former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard. @WWE @FOXLA @GDLA @LASDHQ pic.twitter.com/6gX4cZdyC7
— Mario Ramirez (@MarioFOXLA) May 18, 2020
Gaspard has been busy with an acting career in Hollywood and even recently wrote a TV pilot titled “Pinfall,” pulling from aspects and stories from his WWE tenure.
We here at WrestleZone hope for Gaspard’s safe return and extend our deepest prayers and thoughts with his family at this time.
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