'Real life super hero': Wife's heartbreaking tribute to late WWE star

Shad Gaspard’s wife Siliana has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her ‘hero’ husband after the former WWE star drowned while swimming with their son.

Police on Wednesday confirmed Gaspard’s body had been found on Los Angeles' Venice Beach after he was caught in a rip current last weekend.

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Gaspard went missing last Sunday after he went swimming with his 10-year-old son, Aryeh.

The boy was rescued and several other swimmers made it out of the water safely, with Gaspard reportedly telling lifesavers to help his son first.

Siliana Gaspard has since spoken out about the tragedy, describing her husband as a ‘real life super hero’.

“Shad was our whole world and we were his,” she wrote on Instagram.

“There are not enough words to describe what he means to all of us.

“He was our heart, our soul, our protector, our warrior. He was a bright force of nature, who brought joy to many through his joyous and gracious nature.”

Siliana also thanked those who have sent messages of love and support.

“The outpouring of love from Shad’s friends, colleagues and fans has meant more to us than you can even imagine,” she added.

“We’d like to once again thank the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their efforts.

“Shad was and will always be our real life super hero.”

Shad Gaspard remembered as a hero

Patrol officers were flagged down around 1:25 am on Wednesday by a person reporting that a body had washed ashore, a Police Department statement said.

He was identified as Gaspard and his family was notified.

Gaspard, 39, gained prominence in the WWE as one half of the tag-team group Cryme Tyme, along with his partner, JTG.

After retiring in 2010, Gaspard has had small roles on TV and in movies, including the 2015 Kevin Hart comedy “Get Hard.”

He was about 50 metres from shore when he was last spotted by a lifeguard, police said.

A wave crashed over him and he was swept out to sea.

WWE legends Triple H and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson led an outpouring of grief from the wrestling community.

“I join fans around the world as we remember Shad Gaspard as a beloved performer and a caring father. In absolutely tragic circumstances, please keep his loved ones in your thoughts,” he tweeted.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson said: “My prayers and hope for Shad Gaspard’s wife, son and family during this unthinkable time. Man, this is a tough one. A really tough one. Great guy.”

While wrestling podcaster John Pollock said: “Shad Gaspard left this world a hero - in every sense of the word.

“Above anything else he did during his time here, he is going to be remembered for his actions as a father, and that is an incredible legacy to leave behind.”

with Associated Press