WWE star Shad Gaspard’s heartbroken wife pays emotional tribute to ‘hero’ who died while stopping son from drowning
SHAD GASPARD'S heartbroken wife has paid an emotional tribute to her late husband who died after stopping their son from drowning.
Siliana Gaspard, 35, described the WWE legend as a "real-life superhero" after his tragic passing.
Shad, 39, had gone missing after he and his son were caught in a rip current while swimming in the sea at Venice Beach, California on Sunday afternoon.
When help arrived, the American heroically told lifeguards to rescue his son Aryeh first, before being submerged by another wave.
The search for the popular missing star was called off on Wednesday when the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that his body had been found.
Tributes for Shad have already begun pouring in from fellow WWE legends Triple H and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
But none are more tear-jerking than Siliana - who had been married to the former Cryme Tyme star since 2009 - after she shared a dedicated post to her late husband to Instagram on Thursday.
She wrote: "Aryeh, myself and the Gaspard and Chittick families would like to take this time to thank everyone for their prayers and support, as we mourn the terrible loss of our beloved Shad.
He was a bright force of nature, who brought joy to many through his joyous and gracious nature.
Shad Gaspard's wife
"Shad was our whole world and we were his. 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.
"The outpouring of love from Shad’s friends, colleagues and fans has meant more to us than you can even imagine.
"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 superhero."
Siliana signed off her heartbreaking post by sending a message directly to her late partner.
She added: "I love you more, my love."
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Shad is best known in WWE for his time as part of popular tag team Cryme Tyme along with JTG.
The duo debuted in 2006 and even defeated then-Tag Team Champions, The Spirit Squad, in a non-title match.
Shad left WWE in 2010 but is expected to be honoured tonight on SmackDown.