Search for WWE star Shad Gaspard is ‘called off’ after he vanished in sea as family say they ‘appreciate support’
THE family of missing former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard described him as "a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul" in a touching tribute.
The US Coast Guard and LAPD have reportedly called off the search for the well-known wrestler who vanished during a swim with his son on Venice Beach in Los Angeles.
The 39-year-old star is presumed dead after being pulled out to sea by a strong rip current on Sunday afternoon, leaving his loved ones devastated.
"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," their statement read.
"Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return.
"As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad."
Earlier, Gaspard's friends had released an emotional statement on behalf of the Gaspard's the day after he disappeared beneath the waves, saying they appreciated "the love, support, and concern through this horrible ordeal."
His fellow wrestlers Kofi Kingston and Montel Vontavious Porter both tweeted the initial statement.
Later, Porter issued a heartfelt tribute to his friend as he linked back to a picture of Gaspard with his son, writing "all heroes don't wear capes. Some wear Timbs."
Fellow WWE star JTG, who performed alongside Gaspard in wrestling tag team, "Cryme Tyme," also shared a screenshot of a chat they had back in January, less than four months before his death.
"If ever I die tomorrow just know I love you as a brother and friend for ever even past this life," Gaspard wrote, to which JTG replied: "Love you too brotha."
The day after his disappearance, Matt Morgan, a retired professional wrestler and Florida city's mayor, also shared photos of him with Gaspard.
"Never did the meaning 'brother' mean more to me than it did with#ShadGaspard," he wrote.
"I'll never forget the day Shad posted these pics of us early 20 something-year-olds, & illustrating our pathway through life's accomplishments & into fatherhood side by side 4 20 years! I love u brother."
Gaspard vanished while swimming at Venice Beach in California with his ten-year-old son and a group of others who got caught in a rip current at around 4pm on Sunday.
Gaspard is reported to have told lifeguards to save his boy first, who did not need to be hospitalized and was escorted off the beach, where his mom, Siliana Gaspard remained waiting.
But the rip current pulled him out to sea and he has not been seen despite hours of searching by the US Coast Guard’s helicopters and divers.
Wrestling News Source the status of the case will now be downgraded even though the search is never given up until they find a body.
Pono Barnes, a lifeguard specialist with the Los Angeles Fire Department, said: "That group was stuck in one of the rip currents and were swimming just north of the lifeguard tower.
"That's why lifeguards were able to get there so soon, but unfortunately, one did, however, submerge."
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The former pro wrestler was spending Sunday at the beach with his son and wife, Siliana Gaspard, who appealed for information on Instagram last night.
Gaspard is best-known for his work with partner JTG in the WWE tag team Cryme Tyme between 2006 and 2014.
Back in December 2016, he single-handedly stopped an armed robbery in Florida by seizing the assailant's gun and subduing him until police arrived.
