Shad Gaspard’s body found in Venice Beach

The Los Angeles County coroner confirmed the body of former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard was found near a lifeguard tower in Venice Beach, CA, early Wednesday morning.

Two people walking on the beach at low tide at 1:30 AM local time reported the body to local police who then contacted the the L.A. fire department to investigate. Officials confirmed there were no signs of foul play.

While swimming in the Pacific Ocean with his 10-year-old son and other swimmers Sunday, Gaspard was caught in a strong rip current. He directed lifeguards to save his son first before disappearing after a wave crashed down on him, submerging him. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended their search Tuesday after searching for nearly 17 hours.

Gaspard was 39 years old. 

He was signed by WWE to a developmental deal in 2005 and he and Jayson Paul (JTG) made their WWE Raw debut as Cryme Tyme in October 2006. He remained in WWE until his release in November 2010. Wrestling sparingly since then, he was trying to make it as an actor in Hollywood.

UPDATE: officials confirm description of pro wrestler Shad Gaspard matches that of the body discovered after washing up on shore in Venice Beach. @FOXLA@GDLA@LACoLifeguardspic.twitter.com/1EGKkglcNf

— Mario Ramirez (@MarioFOXLA) May 20, 2020