Several pro wrestling stars are remembering former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard on Twitter today.
As noted, Gaspard passed away at the age of 39 after going missing during a swimming accident near Venice Beach in California on Sunday. Gaspard and his 10 year old son were caught in a strong rip current at around 4pm local time when lifeguards tried to rescue them. Shad instructed the first responder to help his son, which saved his son’s life. Shad was then hit by a larger wave, which put him under the water. That’s the last time he was seen alive. Shad’s body was found in the sand at around 1:30am local time this morning by people walking on the beach.
Triple H tweeted to remember Gaspard today and wrote, “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.”
WWE’s Director of Talent Development and Head of Global Recruiting William Regal also praised Gaspard in a tweet today.
“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,” Regal wrote.
Shane McMahon was one of many to call Shad a hero and a great man.
“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 tweeted.
WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley was among those who sent support to Shad’s wife and son today. He wrote, “RIP Shad Gaspard. My heart goes out to Shad’s wife and child. My prayers that his memory will soothe their sadness over time. #RIPShadGaspard @Shadbeast”
The Rock wrote last night, “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. Great guy.”
We have full coverage of the Gaspard accident at the links seen below these tributes, including statements from WWE and Vince McMahon, details on the rescue attempt from the first lifeguard to respond, and more.
Below are more reactions to Shad’s passing from WWE Hall of Famers Jerry Lawler and Mark Henry, David Otunga, Lilian Garcia, Tommy Dreamer, Karl Anderson, Lance Storm and several others:
More Shad Gaspard articles:
Shad Gaspard Found Dead After Ocean Accident, WWE Issues Updated Statement
Body Found In the Sand Near Where Shad Gaspard Was Last Seen
Lifeguard Details Rescue Attempt for Shad Gaspard and His Son, Stephanie McMahon Comments
Vince McMahon Comments on Shad Gaspard, WWE Issues Statement
Local Police Still Looking for Shad Gaspard After Swimming Incident
Search for Shad Gaspard Suspended By US Coast Guard, Case Not Closed
MVP Issues Touching Statement On Shad Gaspard, Calls Him A Hero
JTG Posts Screenshot of Text Message He Received from Shad Gaspard Earlier This Year
Shad Gaspard’s Family Sends Statement Via Wrestlers
Updated Reports from the Scene of the Search for Shad Gaspard
Former WWE Star Shad Gaspard Missing After Incident In the Ocean
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