As seen above, JTG spoke with Lilian Garcia for her “Chasing Glory” podcast this week to discuss the tragic passing of his friend and tag team partner, Shad Gaspard.
JTG recalled receiving a phone call from Shad’s phone the night he went missing, last Sunday. Shad’s wife Siliana was on the other end of the line and she informed him of what was going on. JTG said he hoped it was a prank at first, but he got ready anyway and drove over to help with the search.
“Then we were on the beach with flashlights looking for Shad,” JTG continued (H/T to Pro Wrestling Sheet). “I was there til a little past midnight and I think that day, I think, I accepted it. I had to accept it. I was waiting for a big bear hug from behind, like “Ahhh, I gotcha.” Apart of me is still waiting for that big bear hug from behind.”
JTG revealed how he and other people close to Shad, such as John Morrison and Chris Masters, among others, searched for Shad in shifts for the next few days. He noted how Shad was an avid swimmer who went to the beach often.
“I’ve been on this planet for thirty-five years. I’ve never lost somebody this close to me where you engage with them every day. Where you shared the most intimate stories with them,” JTG said. “I’ve lost family. I’ve lost distant uncles and grandparents. But they’re older and you don’t want them to be here and suffer. So when they transition, you’re like, ‘ok, they’re at peace.’ I’ve lost coworkers, a lot of coworkers, but it never really hit home like this.”
Follow Marc on Twitter at @this_is_marc. Send any news, tips or corrections to us by clicking here.