Body found on LA beach identified as WWE pro Shad Gaspard
FILE - In this June 28, 2015 file photo, WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Terminator Genisys" at the Dolby Theatre on in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department says a body found on Venice Beach early Wednesday, May 20, 2020 is that of former World Wrestling Entertainment pro Shad Gaspard. He went missing in the water while swimming with his son last weekend. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The body of former World Wrestling Entertainment pro Shad Gaspard was found early Wednesday on Los Angeles’ Venice Beach, after he was caught in a rip current last weekend, police said.
Patrol officers were flagged down around 1:25 a.m. by a person reporting that a body had washed ashore, a Police Department statement said.
He was identified as Gaspard and his family was notified, police said. Gaspard went missing last Sunday after he went swimming with his 10-year-old son, Aryeh.
The boy was rescued and several other swimmers made it out of the water safely.MORE STORIES:
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Gaspard, 39, gained prominence in the WWE as one half of the tag-team group Cryme Time, along with his partner, JTG. After retiring in 2010, Gaspard has had small roles on TV and in movies, including the 2015 Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard.”
He was about 50 yards (46 meters) from shore when he was last spotted by a lifeguard, police said. A wave crashed over him and he was swept out to sea.
His wife, Siliana Gaspard, issued a statement Tuesday thanking authorities and fans.
“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.