The WWE community has been devastated by the news of Shad Gaspard’s disappearance while swimming at Venice Beach.
Gaspard has not been an official part of WWE since 2010, but has wrestled in independent circuits to stay involved in the sports entertainment industry. Several wrestlers, including current WWE stars Kofi Kingston and MVP, tweeted out a statement on behalf of Gaspard’s family after the news broke on Monday afternoon.
“@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.”
Gaspard was swimming with his 10-year-old son on Sunday when they got a caught in a rip current. A lifeguard pulled in Gaspard’s son, but was unable to find the wrestler when he returned to the water.
Gaspard’s former tag team partner, JTG, shared a text the two exchanged in January.
“Very sorry & sad to hear about the disappearance of @shadbeast13 today. He was a fun cat and I always had a blast working with him!!!” Chris Jericho wrote.
“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,” Kevin Owens wrote.
“This news about Shad Gaspard is just heartbreaking,” Bill Goldberg wrote.
“Please be okay Shad! Please,” Hurricane Helms wrote.
“This is just terrible news about Shad Gaspard being missing. I am thinking and praying for Shad, his family, and all those who love him,” Mick Foley wrote.
