Former WWE star Shad Gaspard has died at the age of 39 after disappearing while swimming on Sunday.

The death was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Lifeguards after finding and identifying his body.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told Therednow: “On May 20, 2020, at 1:25 a.m., Pacific Division patrol officers were flagged down by a citizen reporting a body that washed ashore on Venice Beach near 27^th Avenue and Ocean Front Walk.

“An investigator from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Bureau Homicide responded to investigate. The decedent was identified as Shad Gaspard and next of kin was notified.”

The father had been missing since Sunday afternoon after he was pulled into the sea by rip tide while swimming with his 10-year-old son.

NBC reports that the wrestler told lifeguards to rescue his son first, who was pulled from the water in good condition and didn’t need to go to hospital.

They were however unable to rescue the 39-year-old due to him being caught in the current. He has been missing since then.

Friends released a statement on behalf of the family on Monday night thanking the public for their support.

Fellow wrestler Kofi Kingston tweeted: “[Shad’s] family appreciates all the love, support, and concern through this horrible ordeal. At this time they are not ready to make any public or official statements to any media outlet and ask all to respect their wishes.”

Fellow WWE star JTG, who performed alongside Gaspard in wrestling tag team, ‘Cryme Tyme’, took to Twitter to share a screenshot of a heartfelt conversation he had with Shad in January.

“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 #Nohomo’.