Shad Gaspard Dead at 39 - Remembered By Wrestling Community
Former WWE Superstar, Shad Gaspard had been missing since Sunday afternoon after being pulled out to sea by a riptide while swimming with his 10-year-old son at Venice Beach.
In fact, he had instructed lifeguards to focus on getting his 10-year-old son to shore safely, but when they returned for Shad, he had gone under.
Efforts to locate Shad were suspended after two days until his body was discovered and identified around 1:30 AM on Wednesday morning.
My sincere condolences to Shad’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
Shad was revered by his family, friends and colleagues as a passionate, selfless and positive individual who was also a loving and loyal father. His remarkable character will certainly never be forgotten.
As the wrestling community mourns, Shad was remembered by many of his colleagues and peers.
WWE is saddened to learn that former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard has passed away at the age of 39. https://t.co/ngyuRpkjps
— WWE (@WWE) May 20, 2020
The world has lost a wonderful human being. Shad Gaspard was a true HERO in every sense of the word. I’m keeping his family and loved ones in my prayers right now. We love you, Shad. pic.twitter.com/JaX6Ebk9LF
— NattieByNature (@NatbyNature) May 20, 2020
My prayers and hope for Shad Gaspard’s wife, son and family during this unthinkable time. Man, this is a tough one. A really tough one.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) May 20, 2020
Great guy.
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. https://t.co/JibfmJJMcC
— Triple H (@TripleH) May 20, 2020
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 🙏 pic.twitter.com/qD5GkNUyje
— TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) May 20, 2020
He always greeted you with that big smile and a giant hug.. and always made sure others were accommodated.. The world lost a genuinely good man. My heartfelt condolences to his family #RIPShadGaspard
— Jay 'Christian' Reso (@Christian4Peeps) May 20, 2020
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shad Gaspard. Former OVW Tag Team Champion. Actor, husband, father, friend. We will miss you. #RIPShadGaspard pic.twitter.com/SaqfcJOOTE
— OVW Wrestling (@ovwrestling) May 20, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Shad Gaspard who was always a wonderful guy with a huge heart.
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) May 20, 2020
RIP Shad Gaspard
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) May 20, 2020
My heart goes out to Shad’s wife and child. My prayers that his memory will soothe their sadness over time.#RIPShadGaspard @Shadbeast https://t.co/tzUH1oZ5yL
#RIPShadGaspard. I’ve known Shad for over 10 years. We weren’t close...but everytime I’d see him, he would have a huge smile on his face and make me feel like we were. My thoughts are with his family.
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) May 20, 2020
I wrote this yesterday, for my personal Facebook. I was going to rewrite today, now that it is official, but I think my initial thoughts and feelings work best. #RIPShadGaspard pic.twitter.com/wRfT3UD8ay
— Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) May 20, 2020
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.
— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) May 20, 2020
A real life hero. #RIPShadGaspard pic.twitter.com/QvOy2RMKyv
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) May 20, 2020
Sending my love and prayers to Shad loved ones during this time. #RIPShadGaspard
— $asha Banks (@SashaBanksWWE) May 20, 2020
"Don’t worry about being a big star, just focus on knowing your craft so you can be the best you can be, everything else will just fall into place" - Shad Gaspard pic.twitter.com/pui1Candmm
— Brian Pillman Jr. (@FlyinBrianJr) May 20, 2020
Terribly sorry to learn that Shad Gaspard is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. I wish everyone peace at this incredibly difficult time
— The Brandalorian (@TheBrandiRhodes) May 20, 2020
It’s been a heavy morning with news of the untimely passing of Shad Gaspard. A heartbreaking reminder that tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us. Love to all here and now.
— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) May 20, 2020
Always enjoyed every minute being around and working with @Shadbeast and Cryme Tyme.
— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) May 20, 2020
Always happy, always funny, always positive. You will be missed by many. #RIPShadGaspard https://t.co/k0CuEKEOWy
I will never forget your smile my brother! You were a Superman Father to your son in your final moment. Now your son has countless “fathers” in your brothers from this Biz. We will protect him for you as you watch down on us all. ❤️ 🙏🏻 God Rest @Shadbeast pic.twitter.com/CKbROyAMo7
— The Murderhawk Monster Lance Archer (@LanceHoyt) May 20, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family of Shad Gaspard. Always when I was around him a lovely, smiling man and his showing of the ultimate gesture to being a real man and father when it matters mean more than any words I could write.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) May 20, 2020
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 ❤️🙏🏿
— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) May 20, 2020
There are some things that are unthinkable, the loss of my good buddy Shad is one of them. @Shadbeast was an Amazing man with a huge heart. You will be missed my friend. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Much Love DDP pic.twitter.com/41kFZs39le
— Diamond Dallas Page (@RealDDP) May 20, 2020
Chris Toplack
Chris is a Senior Customer Enablement Manager currently at Riverside and the founder of The Signature Spot. With over a decade of experience in SaaS and media, he combines program management with expertise as a voice-over artist to design effective training programs and engaging content. His favourite title is "Dad."