:Shad Gaspard

{{short description|American professional wrestler and actor (1981–2020)}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Shad Gaspard

| image = Shad Gaspard WWE CrymeTyme.jpg

| caption = Gaspard in 2016

| birth_name =

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1981|1|13}}

| birth_place = New York City, U.S.

| death_date = {{death date and age|2020|5|17|1981|1|13}}

| death_place = Los Angeles, U.S.

| spouse = {{marriage|Siliana Gaspard|2009}}

| children = 1

| module = {{Infobox professional wrestler|child=yes

|names = Da Beast
Shad
Shad Gaspard

|height = 6 ft 7 in{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/superstars/shad|title=Shad Gaspard WWE|website=www.wwe.com}}

|weight = 295 lb

|billed = Brooklyn, New York

|trainer = Ohio Valley Wrestling
Rocky Johnson
Al Snow
DeWayne Bruce

|debut = 2003

|retired =

}}

Shad Javier Gaspard (January 13, 1981 – May 17, 2020) was an American professional wrestler and actor. He was best known for his time with WWE, where he performed under his real name, or mononymously as Shad.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/shad/bio/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070425193925/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/shad/bio/|archive-date=April 25, 2007|title=Superstars > SmackDown > Shad >Profile|access-date=April 25, 2007|publisher=WWE}}

Gaspard signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2003, where he was assigned to their developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and was a two-time OVW Southern Tag Team Champion with JTG, as part of Cryme Tyme. In 2006, Cryme Tyme was promoted to WWE's main roster, before both Gaspard and JTG were released from the company the following year. Cryme Tyme returned to WWE in 2008, but Gaspard was released again in 2010.

After departing WWE, Gaspard pursued an acting career that included several films and television roles,{{Cite news |date=2020-05-21 |title=WWE's Shad Gaspard dies saving his son |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-52756408 |access-date=2022-03-19}} such as Think Like a Man Too, Get Hard, The Game, and From Dusk till Dawn: The Series. He was also the co-creator of the 2011 graphic novel Assassin & Son and provided motion capture for video games, most notably for the protagonist Kratos in the 2018 game God of War.

Gaspard drowned while trying to save his son on May 17, 2020. He was posthumously awarded the Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2022.

Early life

Shad Gaspard was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on January 13, 1981. He was of Curaçaoan and Haitian descent. His father was a former enforcer for street gangs and later a personal security guard in the early 1970s; he worked for gangster Frank Lucas and currently owns McFay Contracting Inc. At age five, Shad was trained by his father in boxing, and at age eight he began training in a mixture of different martial arts such as judo, kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, and Muay Thai.

At age 16, Gaspard began prize fighting for promoter Hardbody Harrison, a former WCW wrestler and FX Tough Man Champion, in bar fighting tournaments such as boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and tough man competitions. Although he was only 16 years old, he competed against adults who were up to 20 years older due to his large size. He held win–loss records in MMA (35–7) and amateur boxing (57–26).{{Citation needed|date=October 2019}} He was extensively involved in athletics during his high school years, specializing in wrestling, track, and basketball. After high school, he continued to play basketball at Georgia Perimeter College. After leaving, he became a bodyguard for several celebrities, including P. Diddy and Mike Tyson.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/shad-gaspard-breaks-up-armed-robbery|title=Former Superstar Shad Gaspard breaks up armed robbery in Florida|date=December 14, 2016|access-date=October 28, 2019|website=WWE}}

Professional wrestling career

= World Wrestling Entertainment (2002–2007) =

== ''Tough Enough'' and Ohio Valley Wrestling (2002–2006) ==

Gaspard decided to become a professional wrestler, and he qualified for the finals of the reality television program Tough Enough 2 in 2002, but was disqualified and replaced after failing a physical.{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/1075452.html|title=Shad: WWE's Diesel|date=June 1, 2009|last=Varsallone|first=Jim|access-date=June 19, 2009|publisher=Miami Herald|archive-url=https://archive.today/20090619130253/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/1075452.html|archive-date=June 19, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

After Tough Enough, Gaspard was recruited by WWE talent scout Tom Prichard and allowed to attempt a career as a professional wrestler. He first trained with Dewayne Bruce from the WCW Power Plant for six months.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwa4.com/generic67.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030022549/http://www.wwa4.com/generic67.html|archive-date=October 30, 2007|title=WWA4|access-date=October 11, 2007}} Afterwards, he was signed to a developmental contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and he was assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). Gaspard made his OVW debut in 2003 under the ring name 'Da Beast',{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2003/|title=Ohio Valley Wrestling results – 2003|access-date=August 13, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|quote=August 1, 2003 [...]The Beast b Rob Begley }} eventually joining Bolin Services stable, which led by Kenny Bolin. Originally, he acted as Bolin's personal enforcer, until he was placed into a tag team with Carlos Colón Jr. in February 2004. After Colón left OVW in October 2004, Gaspard left Bolin Services and formed several short lived tag teams with Osama,{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/s/shad-gaspard.html|title=Shad Gaspard Profile|access-date=October 11, 2007|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}} Mike Mondo, Ken Doane, and Ryan Wilson, before he began wrestling under his real name as a singles wrestler.

==Cryme Tyme (2006–2007)==

File:Crymetymemeetngreet.jpg – Gaspard (right) and JTG, at an autograph signing in 2007]]

In early 2006, during his feud in OVW with CM Punk, Gaspard was joined by The Neighborhoodie and formed a new tag team known as The Gang Stars.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2006/|title=OVW results for 2006|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=April 6, 2007|quote=February 1 – Club Life b The Neighborhoodies in the amateur showcase dark match with dual 450 splashes.}} The Gang Stars won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on May 27, but they lost the titles to CM Punk and Seth Skyfire on July 28.{{cite web|url= http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|title=OVW Southern Tag Team Title|access-date=August 9, 2007|publisher=Wrestling-Titles}}

On the September 4, 2006 episode of Raw, a series of vignettes began airing, hyping the debut of Cryme Tyme (Gaspard and The Neighborhoodie, with Neighborhoodie's ring name changing to JTG). On the October 16 episode of Raw, Cryme Tyme made their in-ring debut by defeating then-World Tag Team Champions The Spirit Squad (Mikey and Johnny) in a non-title match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/10162006/|title=Let the voting begin|date=October 16, 2006|last=Zeigler|first=Zack|access-date=January 3, 2008|publisher=WWE}} The duo made their pay-per-view debut at Cyber Sunday, where Cryme Tyme defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, Charlie Haas and Viscera and The Highlanders (Robbie McAllister and Rory McAllister) in a Texas Tornado match (as voted by the fans).{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/history/2006/matches/329344215/results/|title=Cryme Tyme steals Four Team Tag Match|date=November 5, 2006|last=Rote|first=Andrew|access-date=September 22, 2008|publisher=WWE}} A few months later at the New Year's Revolution pay-per-view, Cryme Tyme won a Tag Team Turmoil Match against The Highlanders, The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin), Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, and Jim Duggan and Super Crazy, earning them a shot at the World Tag Team Championships.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html|title=Cena retains, Triple H injured at Revolution|date=January 7, 2007|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=September 22, 2008|publisher=SLAM! Sports|archive-date=July 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713164325/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2007/01/08/3235732.html|url-status=usurped}} On April 1, 2007, at WrestleMania 23, Cryme Tyme made a cameo appearance and started a dance party with Eugene and some WWE legends in the backstage area. On the June 29 episode of SmackDown!, Deuce 'n Domino (with Cherry) defeated Cryme Tyme in an inter-brand match tag match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06292007/|title=The Animal's revenge|date=June 29, 2007|last=Rote|first=Andrew|access-date=September 22, 2008|publisher=WWE}} While Deuce, Domino and Cherry celebrated their victory, Cryme Tyme appeared on the titantron and kayfabe stole their car, taking it to Brisco Brothers Auto Shop to sell it for parts chanting "Money, money, yeah, yeah". In July, Cryme Tyme returned to OVW and regained the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on July 21 from The James Boys (KC James and Kassidy James), becoming two-time tag team champions, but they lost the titles back to them the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ovw/_2007/|title=OVW results 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=2009-08-16}}

On the August 13 episode of Raw, Cryme Tyme returned to their hometown of New York City, losing to then-World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in a non-title match by disqualification, when Gaspard used a chair on Murdoch.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08132007/|title=Rhodes keeps on rolling|date=August 13, 2007|last=Adkins|first= Greg|access-date=September 22, 2008|publisher=WWE}} On the August 27 episode of Raw, Cryme Tyme stole Murdoch's hat and gave it away to a fan, starting a feud between them.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08272007/|title=Umaga: All the rage|date=August 27, 2008|last= Adkins|first=Greg|access-date=September 22, 2008|publisher=WWE}} However, on September 2, 2007, Gaspard and JTG were both released from their WWE contracts.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/crymetymereleased|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221163025/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/crymetymereleased| archive-date=December 21, 2007|title=Cryme Tyme released|access-date=December 23, 2007|publisher=WWE}}

=Independent circuit (2007–2008)=

After being released from WWE, Gaspard lost to Psicosis at a Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA) event on September 22 in Houston, Texas.{{cite web|url=http://www.japw.net/new/events/2007.htm#102707|title=10th Anniversary Show|date=October 27, 2007|access-date=January 12, 2008|publisher=JAPW|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108063453/http://www.japw.net/new/events/2007.htm#102707|archive-date=January 8, 2008|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/id=2&nr=1113&page=4&year=2007&promotion=304 |title=Cagematch |access-date=May 21, 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Gaspard, along with JTG wrestled at Jersey All Pro Wrestling's (JAPW) 10th Anniversary Show on October 27, 2007, defeating The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz. They left the promotion undefeated after defeating Style and Finesse (Mike Donovan and Rob Vegas) in January 2008's Reclaiming Hudson event.{{cite web|url=http://www.japw.net/new/events/2008.htm#011908|title=Reclaiming Hudson results|publisher=Jersey All Pro Wrestling|access-date=2009-08-16|archive-date=July 9, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709044207/http://www.japw.net/new/events/2008.htm#011908|url-status=dead}}

=Return to WWE (2008–2010)=

File:Cryme Tyme.jpg

On the March 31, 2008 episode of Raw, Gaspard and JTG returned to WWE as Cryme Tyme, defeating Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe-zone.com/wwe/results/raw/2008/0331/index.htm|title=WWE Raw 31 March 2008 Results|publisher=Pro-Wrestling Edge|access-date=April 6, 2008}} Cryme Tyme began working with John Cena on the June 30 episode of Raw, when they helped him interfere during John "Bradshaw" Layfield's (JBL) match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06302008/articles/punkanswered|title=Opportunity Knocked, Punk Answered|date=June 30, 2008|last=Adkins|first=Greg|access-date=July 25, 2008|publisher=WWE}} The following week, they again appeared together in a backstage segment, when they vandalized JBL's limo.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/07072008/|title=Chain Gang Carjack|date=July 7, 2008|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|access-date=July 25, 2008|publisher=WWE}} After a house show match, Cena confirmed that they had created a faction and announced that it was called Cryme Tyme Cenation (CTC).{{cite web|url=http://www.rajah.com/base/node/13002/|title=What "CTC" stands for|date=July 14, 2008|last=Pena|first=Daniel|access-date=July 16, 2008|publisher=Rajah|archive-date=August 18, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818214946/http://rajah.com/base/node/13002|url-status=dead}} Cryme Tyme also started a feud with the World Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, stealing their championship belts for a time,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/08182008/|title=It takes a thief|date=August 18, 2008|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|access-date=September 20, 2008|publisher=WWE}} then losing a title match to them at the Unforgiven pay-per-view event.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/7889830/results/|title=Price(less) is right|date=September 7, 2008|last=Vermillion|first=James|access-date=September 20, 2008|publisher=WWE}}

On April 15, 2009, Cryme Tyme was drafted to the SmackDown brand as part of the Draft.{{cite web| url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2009draft/2009supplementaldraftresults/| title=2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results| publisher=WWE| date=April 15, 2009| access-date=April 15, 2009}} They made their debut on the brand on the May 1 episode of SmackDown, hosting a dance contest between Eve Torres and Layla.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 05 01 2009 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2009/_090501/ |website=Online World of Wrestling}} The team made their in-ring debut on the May 22 episode of SmackDown, where they teamed up with John Morrison to defeat The World's Greatest Tag Team and Ricky Ortiz.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 05 22 2009 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2009/_090522/ |website=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 18, 2023 }} On the July 31 episode of SmackDown, Cryme Tyme defeated The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd) to become the number one contenders for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 07 31 2009 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2009/_090731/ |website=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 18, 2023 }} At SummerSlam, they failed to capture the titles against Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show).{{cite web |title=Unified Tag Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show def. Cryme Tyme |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/11050330 |website=WWE.com |access-date=August 23, 2009}} On March 28, 2010, at WrestleMania XXVI, Gaspard competed in a battle royal, with Gaspard and JTG eliminated Luke Gallows, before Gaspard eliminated JTG, and Shad was later eliminating by William Regal.{{cite web |title=Yoshi Tatsu wins 26-Superstar WrestleMania Battle Royal |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/26/matches/13935520 |website=WWE.com |access-date=March 28, 2010}}

On the April 2 episode of SmackDown, after Cryme Tyme lost a match, Gaspard attacked JTG, thus turning heel and disbanding Cryme Tyme in the process.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 04 02 2010 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2010/_100402/ |website=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 18, 2023 }} The next week on SmackDown, Gaspard taunted JTG by showing footage of the attack, and JTG attempted to attack him, but was laid out by Gaspard.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 04 09 2010 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2010/_100409/ |website=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 18, 2023 }} The following week, after JTG's match against Caylen Croft, Gaspard attacked JTG, but was eventually fought off.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 04 16 2010 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2010/_100416/ |website=Online World of Wrestling|date=June 18, 2023 }} On the April 22 episode of WWE Superstars, Gaspard, now sporting a new attire and a new theme song, defeated Goldust.{{cite web |title=WWE Superstars #54 |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=50426 |website=CAGEMATCH}} Their feud led to a strap match at Extreme Rules, which JTG won.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/matches/14176660/results/|title=Results: Strapped for Tyme|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=2010-04-25}}{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/extreme.html#2010|title=Extreme Rules 2010|access-date=2010-08-01|publisher=Pro Wrestling History}} The two faced off again on the May 6 episode of Superstars, where Gaspard was victorious, thus ending their feud.{{cite web|url=https://en.superluchas.com/wwe-superstars-results-May-6,-2010-carlito-chavo-and-rosa-mendes-show-figures/|title=WWE SuperStars (Results May 6, 2010) - Carlito, Chavo and Rosa Mendes show figures|date=May 6, 2010}} Gaspard made his final television appearance on the May 14 episode of SmackDown, where he defeated Jesse Guyver.{{cite web |title=WWE SmackDown 05 14 2010 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/smackdown/_2010/_100514/ |website=Online World of Wrestling |access-date=May 14, 2010}} On November 19, 2010, he was released from his WWE contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/wwesuperstarsreleased|title=WWE Superstars released|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=November 19, 2010|publisher=WWE}}

=Japan (2011)=

On February 5, 2011, Gaspard went to Japan and worked for Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation (IGF), where he teamed with Bobby Lashley in a loss to Atsushi Sawada and Erik Hammer.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1113&page=4&year=2011&promotion=263 |title=Shad |access-date=May 21, 2020}}

=Return to the independent circuit (2011–2020)=

After being released a second time by WWE, Gaspard returned to the independent circuit, and on January 22, 2011, he defeated Charlie Haas at FWE Retribution in New York City.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1113&page=20 |title=Shad |access-date=May 21, 2020}} On March 31, 2012, he lost to Big Daddy V at WrestleRama in Georgetown, Ghana. It was announced on June 19, 2014, that Gaspard and JTG were looking for booking interests labeled now as the slightly altered Crime Time, as JTG was released by WWE. They wrestled the first match on their Crime Time World Tour on August 23, 2014, for the Warriors of Wrestling promotion in Staten Island.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=113712|title=WOW Under The Lights 3 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}} At the JAPW 18th Anniversary Show on November 15, 2014, Crime Time defeated Damien Darling and Danny Demento in a tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=115696|title=JAPW 18th Anniversary Show « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}} Gaspard then continued to wrestle alongside JTG, until his death in 2020.{{cite web |title=Crime Time: Matches |url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=28&nr=21&page=2 |website=Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=20 May 2020}}

Personal life

Gaspard married Siliana, a fitness model and athlete, in 2009.{{Cite web|title=Former WWE star missing after being 'swept out to sea' while swimming in LA|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/former-wwe-star-shad-gaspard-goes-missing-while-swimming-venice-t182015|website=TODAY.com|date=May 19, 2020 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-20}} They had a son named Aryeh in April 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.sescoops.com/wrestling-news/wwe/mcmahon-down-on-announcer-jim-ross-update-shad-gaspard/ |title=McMahon Down On Announcer, Jim Ross Update, Shad Gaspard |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=sescoops.com |date=April 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110716043028/http://www.sescoops.com/wrestling-news/wwe/mcmahon-down-on-announcer-jim-ross-update-shad-gaspard/ |archive-date=July 16, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2010/0508/528114/shad-gaspard/ |title=Another RAW Guest Host Revealed, Shad Gaspard's Son, Delaney |access-date=March 6, 2011 |publisher=wrestlinginc.com |date=May 8, 2010}}

On March 5, 2011, Gaspard was arrested by police in Columbus, Ohio, for having allegedly refused the commands of a police officer and resisted arrest for jaywalking.{{Cite web|url=https://www.police1.com/police-products/police-technology/software/video-analysis/articles/video-wwe-wrestlers-physical-jaywalking-arrest-in-ohio-YdU1hJLTc3R0XcQo/|title=Video: WWE wrestler's physical jaywalking arrest in Ohio|date=March 9, 2011 }}{{Cite web|url=https://ringsidereport.com/?p=8429|title=Shad Gaspard of "Cryme Tyme" Arrest: Major WWE Update}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2011/03/wrestlinginccom-exclusive-shad-gaspard-arrest-story-537209/|title=WrestlingInc.com Exclusive: Shad Gaspard's Arrest & Story}} He was later cleared of all charges in July 2011.{{cite web|last=Wood|first=Darren|title=Shad Gaspard has moved past his WWE release|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/10/18535846.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131207084522/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/10/18535846.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=December 7, 2013|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=December 7, 2013}}

On December 11, 2016, Gaspard prevented the armed robbery of a gas station in Coral Springs, Florida, when he was approached by an intoxicated man who was intent on robbing the station. Gaspard shoved the man, took away his gun, and restrained him until police arrived.{{cite news|last=Holley|first=Peter|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/12/15/a-florida-man-tried-to-rob-a-former-wwe-wrestler-and-got-body-slammed/|title=A Florida man tried to rob a former WWE wrestler — and got body-slammed|newspaper=The Washington Post|publisher=Nash Holdings|location=Washington, D.C.|date=December 15, 2016|access-date=October 28, 2019}}

Disappearance and death

On May 17, 2020, Gaspard and his son were among a group of swimmers caught in a strong rip current in the Venice Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/18/entertainment/shad-gaspard-wwe-missing-venice-beach-trnd/index.html|title=Former WWE star Shad Gaspard is missing after he was swept out to sea while swimming|first=Alicia|last=Lee|work=CNN|publisher=WarnerMedia|location=Atlanta|date=May 18, 2020|access-date=May 18, 2020}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1153183/wwe-star-shad-gaspard-goes-missing-while-swimming-at-l-a-beach|title=WWE Star Shad Gaspard Goes Missing While Swimming at L.A. Beach|first=Cydney|last=Contreas|magazine=E! Online|publisher=NBCUniversal Television and Streaming|location=United States|date=May 18, 2020|access-date=May 18, 2020}} He told lifeguards to save his son before saving him, but disappeared underwater soon after. His son was safely rescued. The Coast Guard's search team was joined by professional wrestlers JTG, John Morrison, and Chris Masters.{{cite web |title=JTG Opens Up About Shad Gaspard's Passing |url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/jtg-opens-up-shad-gaspard-interview/#.XwzHtCVq3Ds |website=Pro Wrestling Sheet |date=May 26, 2020 |access-date=13 July 2020}} On May 19, after searching 70 square nautical miles (240 km²), the Coast Guard suspended the search.{{cite news|last1=Lloyd|first1=Jonathan|title=Body Matching Description of Missing Former WWE Wrestler Found Near Venice Pier|url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/shad-gaspard-venice-beach-lifeguards-rescue-missing-swimmer/2365683/|work=KNBC|publisher=NBCUniversal|location=Los Angeles|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=May 20, 2020}}{{cite news|title=Body Found On Venice Beach Believed To Be WWE Wrestler Shad Gaspard|url=https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2020/05/20/body-found-venice-beach-lifeguard-tower-wwe-wrestler-shad-gaspard-missing/|work=KCBS-TV|publisher=CBS|author=KCBS-TV Staff|location=Los Angeles|access-date=May 20, 2020|date=May 20, 2020}}{{cite magazine|title=Search for WWE Star Shad Gaspard Is Suspended After He Went Missing|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1153808/search-for-wwe-star-shad-gaspard-is-suspended-after-he-went-missing-in-the-ocean|date=May 19, 2020|first=Pamela|last=Avila|magazine=E! Online|publisher=NBCUniversal Television and Streaming|location=United States|language=en-US|access-date=May 20, 2020}} On May 20, Gaspard's body was found washed ashore in Venice Beach and was identified by the Los Angeles County coroner's office. He was 39 years old.{{cite news|title=L.A. County coroner's office identifies body that washed ashore in Venice Beach as Shad Gaspard|url=https://www.foxla.com/news/l-a-county-coroners-office-identifies-body-that-washed-ashore-in-venice-beach-as-shad-gaspard|work=KTTV|publisher=Fox Television Stations|location=Los Angeles|access-date=May 20, 2020|date=May 20, 2020}} On December 21, his widow filed court documents against the state of California and the city of Los Angeles, alleging negligence, dangerous condition of public property, and insufficient signs warning of the dangers of swimming in the area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2020/12/22/claim-filed-against-state-and-local-governments-by-widow-of-professional-wrestler-who-died-in-rip-current-off-venice-beach/|title = Claim filed by widow of professional wrestler who died in rip current off Venice Beach|website = Los Angeles Daily News|date = December 22, 2020}}

Legacy and tributes

After his death saving his son, Gaspard was awarded by Pro Wrestling Illustrated readers with the PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year. Dave Meltzer also announced that he would include a "Shad Gaspard Award" for outside the ring contributions for the betterment of society.{{cite tweet|number=1330797146497544192|user=voiceswrestling|title=Dave Meltzer is adding the "Shad Gaspard Award" to the WON year end awards for outside the ring contributions for betterment of society|date=November 23, 2020}} In 2021, Meltzer created the Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award, named after Gaspard and fellow wrestler Jonathan Huber, who also died in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/march-15-2021-observer-newsletter-aew-revolution-wrestlemania-37-ticket-details-335631|title=MARCH 15, 2021 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: AEW REVOLUTION, WRESTLEMANIA 37 TICKET DETAILS|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|author=Meltzer, Dave|date=March 12, 2021|access-date=March 12, 2021}} In 2022, WWE also honored him with that year's Warrior Award for his actions that day.{{cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/shad-gaspard-to-receive-2022-warrior-award-at-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony|title=Shad Gaspard to receive 2022 Warrior Award at WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony|access-date=March 25, 2022|work=WWE|author=WWE.com Staff|date=March 25, 2022}}

Other media

Gaspard appeared in video games as a playable character in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008,{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Greg |date=October 3, 2007 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/10/03/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2008-247-mode-report |title=WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report |publisher=IGN |access-date=February 15, 2015}} WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/09/wwe-svr-2009-roster-editor-team-management-announcement|title=WWE SVR 2009: Roster Editor & Team Management Announcement|last=Miller|first=Greg|date=October 9, 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=February 16, 2015}} WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/smackdown-vs-raw-2010-the-full-roster-revealed/1100-6233617/ |first=Brian |last=Ekberg |title=SmackDown vs. Raw 2010: The Full Roster Revealed |website=GameSpot |date=September 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822150135/http://www.gamespot.com/news/smackdown-vs-raw-2010-the-full-roster-revealed-6233617 |archive-date=August 22, 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=February 17, 2015}} and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011.{{cite web|last=Miller |first=Greg |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/21/wwe-smackdown-vs-raw-2011-review-4 |title=WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 Review (PS3, X360) |publisher=IGN |date=October 21, 2010 |access-date=February 18, 2015}}

In January 2012, he was advertised as appearing on the BET television series The Game,{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingnewsworld.com/shad-gaspard-on-bet-tonight-candidates-to-induct-the-four-horsemen-the-rock-returns-to-raw-supershow/|title=Shad Gaspard On BET Tonight, Candidates To Induct The Four Horsemen, The Rock Returns To Raw Supershow|website=www.wrestlingnewsworld.com|date=July 31, 2018 }} as well as TV Land's original situation comedy The Exes in October 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.yardbarker.com/wwe/articles/former_wwe_star_shad_gaspard_on_tv_land_tonight_smackdown_in_rhode_island_birthdays/11356495|title=This article is unavailable|website=www.yardbarker.com}} He was also working on other upcoming films and often performed stunts. Besides wrestling and acting, Gaspard also did modeling and worked on a comic book.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-news.net/gaspard-muhammad-hassans-comic/24277/|title=Shad Gaspard & Muhammad Hassan's Comic Book Getting A Film Release - Wrestling-News.Net|website=www.wrestling-news.net|date=February 9, 2013}}

In 2013, Gaspard performed in the stage adaptation of "Pugilist" as Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion (1908–1915), depicting the fighter's rise to the world heavyweight championship, and his tragic fall.{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/arts-theater/|title=Arts & Theater|website=Houston Chronicle}}

In 2018, Gaspard provided the motion capture for protagonist Kratos of the video game God of War.{{cite web |last1=McCarthy |first1=Alex |title=A tribute to Shad Gaspard: Late WWE star who died saving his son was also a bodyguard for Mike Tyson, prevented an armed robbery, with The Rock hailing his 'warrior spirit' |url=https://talksport.com/sport/wrestling/708422/shad-gaspard-tribute-wwe-son-mike-tyson-armed-robbery-the-rock-instagram/ |website=talkSPORT |publisher=Wireless Group |date=May 21, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Fahey |first1=Mike |title=The body of former WWE wrestler, martial artist, and actor Shad Gaspard was found Wednesday morning |url=https://kotaku.com/the-body-of-former-wwe-wrestler-martial-artist-and-ac-1843572996 |website=Kotaku |publisher=G/O Media |date=May 20, 2020}}

Filmography

Year	Title	Role	class="unsortable" \| Notes
class="wikitable sortable" \|+Film
2012	Petunia	XL
2014	Think Like a Man Too	The Goldenrod
2015	Get Hard	Big Ass Julian
2015	Brothers	Ronnie Cross	Bollywood film debut
2015	My First Miracle	Jack
2015	Wrestling Isn't Wrestling	Theater Audience Member	Short film
2016	Officer Downe	Brick
2017	Welcome to Willits	Captain Carter
2017	Sandy Wexler	{{N/A}}	Performed stunts
2019	Bolden	Aaron Harris
2020	Birds of Prey	Lords leader	Also performed stunts; Final role

class="wikitable sortable" \|+Television ! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable" \| Notes
2012	The Game	Shad	2 episodes
2012	The Exes	Warren	1 episode
2013	Big Time Rush	Marcus	1 episode
2014	The Haunted Hathaways	Officer Bugliari	2 episodes
2014–2015	Key & Peele	Actor	2 episodes
2015	Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn	Lou	1 episode
2016	From Dusk till Dawn: The Series	Olmeca	3 episodes
2017	In the Cut	Tony	2 episodes
2018	The Last Sharknado: It's About Time	Muhammad Ali	TV movie

class="wikitable sortable"

|+Video games

! Year

! Title

! Role

! class="unsortable" | Notes

2017–2018

|Batman: The Enemy Within

| Bane

| Performed motion capture and stunts

2018

| God of War

| Kratos

| Motion capture

Championships and accomplishments

NWA Wildside
NWA Wildside Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with JTG
Fighting Evolution Wrestling
FEW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with JTG
Ohio Valley Wrestling
OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with The Neighborhoodie / JTG
Pro Wrestling Illustrated
Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2020){{cite journal|year=2021|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|title=2020 Achievement Awards|publisher=Kappa Publishing Group|pages=16–17}}
Ranked No. 85 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2010{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/2010.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2010|access-date=June 6, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database}}
Superstars of Wrestling Federation
SWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with JTG
VIP Wrestling
VIP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with JTG
World Wrestling Alliance
WWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with JTG
Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award (2020){{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/march-15-2021-observer-newsletter-aew-revolution-wrestlemania-37-ticket-details-335631|title=MARCH 15, 2021 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: AEW REVOLUTION, WRESTLEMANIA 37 TICKET DETAILS|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|author=Meltzer, Dave|date=March 12, 2021|access-date=March 12, 2021}}
WWE
WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2022 – Warrior Award){{cite news|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/shad-gaspard-to-receive-2022-warrior-award-at-wwe-hall-of-fame-induction-ceremony|title=Shad Gaspard to receive 2022 Warrior Award at WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony|access-date=March 25, 2022|work=WWE|author=WWE.com Staff|date=March 25, 2022}}