Ex-WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard Dead at 39, Body Found on Venice Beach

The L.A. County Coroner has identified the body found on L.A.’s Venice Beach as ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard … TMZ Sports has learned.

The body was first seen on the beach by a citizen who called cops around 1:30 AM Wednesday … according to law enforcement sources. Officers responded and recovered the body right near Venice Pier.

A short time later, several people (we’re told family members and close friends) gathered at the beach.

They were hugging, talking and crying. At one point, some of the people waded into the water.

The L.A. Fire Department held a news conference Wednesday morning, saying the body matches the description of Shad … a 6’6″ black male over 240 lbs.As first reported, he went missing on Sunday afternoon when a group of swimmers, including Shad and his son, Aryeh, got caught in a rip current south of the Pier.

Shad heroically told lifeguards to focus on getting his 10-year-old son to shore safely, but when they returned he’d gone under.

Police and Coast Guard boats and divers searched the rough water for nearly 2 days before suspending their efforts.RIP!