The body of former Haitian-American World Wrestling Entertainment star Shad Gaspard was found early Wednesday on Venice Beach, where he was caught in a rip current last weekend, police said.
Officers were notified of the discovery just before 1:30 a.m. by a citizen who reported finding a body near 27th Avenue and Ocean Front Walk, the Los Angeles Police Department stated in a news release.
#PierIC at 2:19AM @lacolifeguards @LACOFD @LAPDHQ respond to #VenicePier to a report of a body along the shoreline that matches the description of Sunday’s missing swimmer. Crews on-scene extricate from the water and transfer to @lacountymec pic.twitter.com/b5xYmCOBkj
— LACoFD Lifeguards (@LACoLifeguards) May 20, 2020
Police held a news conference early Wednesday morning to announce the discovery but did not initially identify the person. An investigator from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office later identified the body as Gaspard’s and notified next of kin, the news release stated.
When last seen by the lifeguard, a wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea,” the department said. The boy was rescued. The boy was rescued, and several other swimmers made it out of the water safely after they were caught in the strong currents at Venice Beach.
Los Angeles County reopened its beaches last week for physical activities, which include walking, running, and swimming. The beach had been closed to combat the
spread of the novel coronavirus.
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.
NBC News Reports, In a statement posted on Tuesday, the wrestling organization said, “WWE’s thoughts are with the family of Shad Gaspard. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Mr. Gaspard was an avid supporter of L’union Suite, he’d message us and email us when he had information to share. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fans.
