Tributes are pouring in for former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard, whose body was found at Venice Beach Wednesday days after he was reported missing after a swim in rough waters.
Friends and fellow wrestlers began sharing fond memories of Gaspard on Wednesday.
“Along with everyone else, I hoped that Shad would make it home safe. Rest in Peace, Shad Gaspard, knowing that your son is alive because of your sacrifice,” wrote American professional wrestler Christopher Daniels.
Saraya-Jade Bevis, known in the WWE by her ring-name Paige, wrote, “damn. RIP Shad. Sending love to his family. Heartbreaking story.”
Retired professional wrestler and WWE commentator Jerry Lawler wrote, “Always enjoyed every minute being around and working with @Shadbeast and Cryme Time. Always happy, always funny, always positive. You will be missed by many.”
Canadian professional wrestler Maryse Mizanin wrote, “This is so heartbreaking. Its really hard to believe it’s real and wrap our heads around this tragedy. The world lost an amazing soul and hero @Shadbeast We are sending all of our prayers to his wife and son!”
Read these and more tributes below.
Along with everyone else, I hoped that Shad would make it home safe. Rest In Peace, Shad Gaspard, knowing that your son is alive because of your sacrifice.
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) May 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1263147936638103552
Always enjoyed every minute being around and working with @Shadbeast and Cryme Tyme.
Always happy, always funny, always positive. You will be missed by many. #RIPShadGaspard https://t.co/k0CuEKEOWy— Jerry Lawler (@JerryLawler) May 20, 2020
This is so heartbreaking. Its really hard to believe it’s real and wrap our heads around this tragedy. The world lost an amazing soul and hero @Shadbeast We are sending all of our prayers to his wife and son! https://t.co/hcAjsod7gx
— Maryse Mizanin (@MaryseMizanin) May 20, 2020
Loss for words.. Shad you were such an amazing person, you will be missed. RIP ??? pic.twitter.com/JLTlkeNoxz
— Mandy (@WWE_MandyRose) May 20, 2020
https://twitter.com/Zelina_VegaWWE/status/1263127461266624513
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
Sending my love and prayers to Shad loved ones during this time. #RIPShadGaspard
— Mercedes Varnado (@SashaBanksWWE) May 20, 2020
I am sad to know that Shad is really gone but I am glad for the family that the body was found. Shad was such an amazing human with so much love for his family, friends and co-workers. I will miss you SO much Shad. Thk u for always making me feel special! #rip ??❤️ pic.twitter.com/akQt3x142e
— Lilian Garcia (@LilianGarcia) May 20, 2020
Shad's passing has me gutted. I knew nothing about rip tides. They say swim parallel with the shore to escape. With summer approaching, lets arm ourselves with knowledge. #RIPShadGaspard pic.twitter.com/aILPSWtKfR
— Ari Daivari (@AriyaDaivari) May 20, 2020
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 https://t.co/tzUH1oZ5yL
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) May 20, 2020
Never got the pleasure to know Shad too well personally, but I did have the opportunity to wrestle him countless times. He was beyond motivated and as a giant, took precautions to protect folks in the ring. I’m saddened by his passing, his last moments were as an undeniable hero. pic.twitter.com/D8K5NpDxzb
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) May 20, 2020
Goodbye, my friend.
My thoughts are with Shad’s family. I can’t fathom their loss.— Ettore “Big E” Ewen (@WWEBigE) 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
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
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
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
— Nattie (@NatbyNature) May 20, 2020
I’ve never seen that face without a smile.?? RIP Shad. pic.twitter.com/jtYSTGdOGg
— The OFFICIAL Boss (@SonyaDevilleWWE) May 20, 2020
A @WWE Hero a world hero, a great FATHER! and a great person the world lost @Shadbeast ? RIP ??? pic.twitter.com/Uh1dqH4Zk5
— Brooklyn Brawler (@brawlerreal) May 20, 2020