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'If I die tomorrow': WWE star's haunting text message before death

Sam Goodwin
·Sports Editor
·3-min read
Shad Gaspard and JTG, pictured here at an event in Los Angeles in 2014.
Shad Gaspard and JTG at an event in Los Angeles in 2014. (Photo by Michael Bezjian/WireImage)

Former tag-team partner JTG has posted one of the haunting final text messages he received from Shad Gaspard before his tragic death.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that the body of former WWE star Gaspard was found on Venice Beach after he was caught in a rip current last weekend.

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Patrol officers were flagged down around 1:25 am 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.

As the rest of the WWE world mourned Gaspard’s death, JTG posted a screenshot of a touching text he received from Shad back in January.

“If ever I die tomorrow just know I love you as a brother and friend for ever even past this life,” Gaspard wrote, to which JTG replied: “Love you too brotha.”

Shad Gaspard praised as hero for saving son

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

The boy was rescued after Gaspard reportedly told lifesavers to help his son first, while several other swimmers also made it out of the water safely.

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.

Shad Gaspard, pictured here with wife Siliana and son Aryeh.
Shad Gaspard with wife Siliana and son Aryeh. Image: Instagram

His wife, Siliana Gaspard, issued a statement Tuesday thanking authorities and fans.

“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,” the statement said.

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

Tributes have been flowing in from around the wrestling world, with many praising Gaspard for his heroic final act to save his son.

with Associated Press