Video at the scene showed the Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles Police Department surrounding a lifeless body that washed ashore. The coroner and a woman who resembles Gaspard’s wife, Siliana were also seen leaving the scene.

Around 6 a.m. Wednesday PDT, the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed to the media that the body matches that of Shad Gaspard.

The 39-year-old was swimming with his 10-year-old son at Marina del Rey Beach in Venice Beach, California Sunday when he and a group of swimmers were caught in a strong riptide around 4 p.m. according to reports.

When lifeguards went out to rescue Gaspard, he reportedly directed them to save his son first. Witnesses at the scene say that before the lifeguards could return to get Gaspard he was taken under. A Los Angeles Fire Department official told the media Sunday that they believe Gaspard “did submerge.”

After the search party was called off Sunday evening, search efforts continued early Tuesday. Unfortunately, Gaspard wasn’t found.

Gaspard’s wife Siliana took to Instagram to put out a statement Tuesday to thank the rescue workers and their efforts as they continued their search for her husband.

“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.”

Wrestling fans may know Shad Gaspard for his short stint in the WWE. From 2006-07, Gaspard was one half of the Cryme Tyme tag team alongside partner JTG.

Prior to that, the Brooklyn native began his professional wrestling career on the WWE competition series Tough Enough 2 in 2002. After being released from the WWE, Gaspard would continue to wrestle in the independent scene.

Gaspard was also a bodyguard before becoming a professional wrestler. He would be hired by the likes of Britney Spears, Diddy and former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson.

As many in the wrestling community become aware of Gaspard’s passing, they have taken to social media to give their condolences and share memories of Shad.

Shad Gaspard is survived by his wife Siliana, and their son Areyah.