Wrestling fans were holding onto hope that former WWE superstar Shad Gaspard would be found safe after he went missing Sunday (May.18) after getting caught in a riptide with his young son and a group of swimmers.

A short time later, several people (we’re told family members and close friends) gathered at the beach.The wrestling world was rocked by the tragic news, and the WWE did send out a tweet with the caption:

“WWE is saddened to learn that former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard has passed away at the age of 39.”

Gaspard’s tag-team partner during his WWE tenure JTG shared a photo of a message he received from Gaspard telling him, “if ever I die tomorrow just know I love you as a brother and friend forever, even past this life.”

Retired WWE superstar The Rock, also spoke on Gaspard’s tragic death and extended his prayers and hope to the late wrestler’s wife, son, and family.

Gaspard was one half of the popular WWE tag-tag Cryme Time, along with his partner JTG.