Yesterday, it was confirmed that former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard had died at the age of 39 after he went missing while swimming with his son over the weekend.
Tweeting out the heartbreaking news, Gaspard's former employers wrote: "WWE is saddened to learn that former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard has passed away at the age of 39."
Now, the professional wrestling world has responded to the tragic news, with many stars paying their respects to Gaspard on social media.
Former WWE Superstar and actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson paid his respects on Instagram, writing: "This one hurts. Great guy. My deepest condolences and love to Shad Gaspard’s wife, son and family.
"Shad drowned in the ocean, but not before instructing lifeguards to save his 10yr old son first. That’s the love of a father. This is a tough one to process. Love and light to Shad’s family. And your warrior spirit lives on through your son."
The CEO of WWE Vince McMahon also paid his respects on Twitter, writing: "The thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Shad Gaspard’s family during this difficult time."
And WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart also shared a tribute to Gaspard, writing: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Shad Gaspard who was always a wonderful guy with a huge heart."
WWE legend Triple H wrote: "I join fans around the world as we remember Shad Gaspard as a beloved performer and a caring father. In absolutely tragic circumstances, please keep his loved ones in your thoughts."
Sharing a happy picture of the pair, former World Champion and World's Strongest Man Mark Henry wrote: "I’m going to miss my brother! Even when roasting me for my taste in shorts! Warrior award nominee a true Hero."
And WWE star Shane McMahon also paid his respects to Gaspard, writing: "Saddened to hear the news of the passing of the “The Beast” Shad Gaspard. A hero even to the end, my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. A great man in this world, you will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, my friend."
WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil also took to Twitter to pay his respects, sharing with his fans: "My Love, Thoughts, Prayers and Support Go out to The Family of Shad Gaspard. Nothing will ever Fix the loss of a loved one. As a Universe We owe it to ourselves and to others to Be a Positive Light in this world as long as we can Because Nothing is Ever Guaranteed. #RIPSHAD"
And AEW wrestler Cody shared a picture of himself in a match against Shad, writing: "Never got the pleasure to know Shad too well personally, but I did have the opportunity to wrestle him countless times. He was beyond motivated and as a giant, took precautions to protect folks in the ring. I’m saddened by his passing, his last moments were as an undeniable hero."
WWE Superstar Sonya Deville also shared some photos of her with Gaspard, writing simply: "I’ve never seen that face without a smile. RIP Shad."
Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Lio Rush wrote: "I know you’re up there man. Watching down on so many. You will be missed. Love you bro."
And former ECW Champion and current pro-wrestling commentator Taz wrote: "Shad died a hero, saving his son’s life. As a parent, there are no words to even explain that. He was a really positive & funny guy every time we spoke, just a good dude. Prayers for his family during this horrible time. #RIPShadGaspard"
As reported by TMZ, officials had started desperately searching for Gaspard after he went missing during a swim with his 10-year-old son at Venice Beach.
Gaspard and his son were among a group of swimmers caught in a strong rip current around 4:00PM local time, resulting in lifeguards racing into the water to pull everyone out.
In a statement on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the LAPD said that the former WWE wrestler was about 50 yards offshore when a lifeguard saw that a "wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea."
Gaspard's son was rescued, but the 39-year-old professional wrestler could not be located. His son did not require hospital treatment.
One witness at the scene tells us told TMZ that when lifeguards raced into the ocean, Gaspard instructed them to rescue his son first, which they did. They added that during the rescue, another big wave crashed down on Gaspard, and that was the last time he was seen.
Yesterday, a body matching the description of Shad Gaspard was discovered in the early hours of the morning at Venice Pier, NBC News reported.
The discovery was made around 2:19AM local time, according to a tweet by the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Lifeguard Division. The body "matches the description of Sunday’s missing swimmer," the tweet read.
Gaspard is perhaps best known for his run with WWE between the years of 2002 and 2010, where he gained popularity in the tag-team Cryme Tyme with partner JTG (pictured below).
Earlier this week, JTG - real name Jayson Anthony Paul - shared a tweet Gaspard had sent him back in January:
And just a few hours ago, Gaspard's former tag-team partner shared a video of a memorial that has been placed at Venice Beach:
Gaspard hit headlines back in 2016 when he apprehended an armed robber.
Per WWE.com, when Gaspard was confronted, a fight ensued, which ended in Shad subduing the suspect outside of the gas station and pinning him to the ground until Coral Springs police arrived to take him into custody.
Our thoughts are with his friends, fans, and family.
