24 Wrestlers Who Died In 2020

Several days after being swept out to sea in Venice Beach, CA, Shad Gaspard's body was recovered by the coastguard, confirming fears of his tragic passing at the age of just 39.

Through his final action in life, Gaspard died a hero.

Whilst swimming with his son, the pair were caught in a sudden undertow. When lifeguards came to Shad's rescue, the former wrestler instead directed them to his 10 year old, who was swiftly dragged back to shore. When rescuers returned for Shad, it was too late.

Gaspard was born 13 January 1981, in Brooklyn, NY. One of six children, Gaspard was trained to box by his father - a one time security guard of mobster Frank Lucas - after which he pursued a series of martial arts disciplines.

It was at 16 that he had his first brush with the wrestling business, working as a prize fighter for former WCW man Hardbody Harrison. Three years later, he decided to make a fist at the industry, auditioning for WWE's Tough Enough - only to fail a physical.

He was eventually given a route back in by Tom Prichard, and promptly assigned to OVW as 'Da Beast'. A successful pairing with JTG - then known as The Neighborhoodie - prompted the duo's call-up, repackaged as Cryme Tyme.

Across two spells with the company, the team would memorably go on to star alongside John Cena during his feud opposite JBL, and challenge for the tag team titles at SummerSlam 2009.

Gaspard left WWE in 2010, after which he pursued a variety of outside interests - succeeding in just about everything he tried. He provided mocap for demi-god Kratos in 2018's PS4 hit God of War, was a stunt double in box office smash Black Panther, and even treaded the boards, assuming the lead role in a theatre biopic of first African-American boxing champion Jack Johnson.

But most importantly, he was a father. Through his tragic passing, he gave everything up for the life of his son.