KEY POINTS

  • The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the body of Shad Gaspard was found along Venice Beach around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday
  • Police said the body was discovered by two people walking along the beach who spotted him after the low tide washed him ashore
  • Former employers, colleagues, and the wrestling community as a whole took to Twitter to voice their sadness at the news of Gaspard's death

After a three-day search, the body of former WWE wrestler Shad Gaspard was found early Wednesday along Southern California’s Venice Beach.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the body washed up on the shore around 2:30 a.m. near the pier. LAPD Lt. Titus Tyler said the body was found by two people that were walking along the beach, saying the body was easily visible due to the low tide.

Authorities cordoned off the area as the medical examiner found no signs of foul play to the body before sending it to the local coroner’s office, where Gaspard's identity was confirmed.

This ends the intensive search by the LAPD, local Coast Guard, and other local agencies after Gaspard and his 10-year-old son were caught in strong surf on Sunday. Lifeguards were able to rescue son but were unable to locate Gaspard.

Gaspard’s wife, Siliana Gaspard, issued a statement Tuesday thanking authorities for their efforts in trying to find him.

“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,” Siliana Gaspard said.

Gaspard, 39, is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He spent several years on the wrestling circuit and worked as an actor and bodyguard.

News of Gaspard’s death has led to an outcry of support from the pro wrestling community, with many taking to Twitter to talk about the loss.

Even graffiti artists have weighed in with mask 'messages,' such as this one at freshly reopened Venice Beach, California
Even graffiti artists have weighed in with mask 'messages,' such as this one at freshly reopened Venice Beach, California AFP / VALERIE MACON