The search for former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard has been suspended by the U.S. Coast Guard, two days after he went missing after being swept away by a riptide at a California beach.
According to TMZ, the Coast Guard has suspended their search efforts, but the case will not be officially closed until they find him.
Since then, Gaspard’s wife posted the following statement on behalf of the family, thanking first responders who rescued their son and continued to search for Shad.
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.
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…
From The Entire Gaspard & Chittick Family
Gaspard went missing after he and his 10-year old son went for a swim at Venice Beach on Sunday. Gaspard’s son was rescued by a group of lifeguards (in addition to other people caught in a powerful riptide current around 4 PM PST), but Gaspard remains unaccounted for.
According to witnesses, Gaspard told the lifeguards to bring his son to safety first and the last time he was seen was when the big wave crashed down on him. An official working with the Los Angeles Fire Department informed TMZ that they believe Gaspard “did submerge.”
Related: The Wrestling World Reacts To Shad Gaspard’s Disappearance
