Triple H Praises Shad Gaspard As A ‘Great Human Being’, Says WWE Will Honor Him On SmackDown
Shad Gaspard spent several years in WWE as Cryme Tyme and now Triple H says they’ll pay tribute to the former Superstar on SmackDown this week.
Gaspard died this week after saving his son from a riptide current in Venice Beach before being swept away himself. The tragic death was addressed by Triple H, who spoke with TMZ and said there was a graphic on this week’s NXT but they’ll do something more on tonight’s show.
“He was such a great guy. Shad is one of those guys that everybody loved. Steph and I saw him maybe six months ago. We were at FOX for a meeting. He was coming out of the lobby, we were coming into the lobby. We probably stood there for 20 minutes talking. He’s just the greatest guy, so nice, and finding success in all these other things he was doing Hollywood and everything else.
“With the circumstances around all of this and his son, which, thank God he is OK. Knowing that he said ‘save my son’ and that was the last thing he did, that’s all you need to know about the guy. He was just a great human being and it’s tragic. My thoughts and prayers, everyone here, go out to his wife and kid and the family. It’s tragic.”
Related: Shad Gaspard’s Family Release A Statement Following His Tragic Passing, JTG Shares Touching Tribute
Gaspard went missing after going swimming on Venice Beach on Sunday afternoon. After a riptide current came in, Gaspard was heard telling first responders to save his son first, then a wave pulled him under and he was not seen again. The Coast Guard searched the waters for several days before calling off their search. Los Angeles County Lifeguards found Gaspard’s body washed up on shore on Wednesday morning; the family has since issued the following statement:
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.
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 super hero.
– Siliana Gaspard