Shad Gaspard: Former WWE professional found dead after going missing while swimming with his son

He was last seen swimming near Venice Beach on Sunday

Shad Gaspard, 39, was swimming with his son when a strong rip current took him further out into the ocean (Getty Images for MTV)

Former WWE professional Shad Gaspard’s body has been found after he went missing while swimming with his son in Los Angeles.

Patrol officers on Venice Beach were flagged down early on Wednesday morning by someone who said a body washed ashore, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement.

“The decedent was identified as Shad Gaspard and next of kin was notified,” it said.

Mr Gaspard, 39, first went missing on Sunday when he and his 10-year-old son, Aryeh, along with other swimmers were caught in a strong rip current near Venice Beach.

Aryeh was rescued and several other swimmers were able to make it safely out of the water after the strong current. Reportedly Mr Gaspard told rescuers to save his son first.

A lifeguard last spotted Mr Gaspard before a wave crashed over him and carried him further out into the ocean.

“When last seen by the lifeguard, a wave had crashed over Mr. Shad Gaspard and he was swept out to sea,” police said in a statement Monday.

The wrestler’s wife, Siliana Gaspard, issued a statement on Tuesday to thank authorities for assisting during the tragedy, hours before her husband’s body was found.

“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,” she said.

Mr Gaspard rose to prominence within WWE when he partnered with JTG as a member of Cryme Tyme. He retired from the sport in 2010 and went on to acting roles, including appearing in Kevin Hart’s Get Hard movie.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said LA Country lifeguards reportedly rescued 100 people on Sunday due to rough waters caused by bad weather, according to Fox News.

The Associated Press contributed to this report