WWE's Shad Gaspard missing after getting caught in rip current while swimming with 10-year-old son at LA beach

The 39-year-old was caught in a current at the Marina Del Rey Beach on Sunday and has not been seen since

UPDATED MAY 18, 2020

Officials are desperately searching for ex-WWE star Shad Gaspard, who went missing after he got caught in a current while he was swimming at Marina Del Rey Beach with his 10-year-old son on Sunday, May 17. Gaspard, 39, and his son were amongst a group of swimmers who caught in a strong rip current around 4 pm, according to TMZ. Lifeguards at the scene rushed into the water to rescue everyone and managed to pull out the wrestler's son, but not him.

One witness at the scene revealed that when the lifeguards started their rescue operation, Gaspard directed them to help out his son first. As the rescue was in progress, another big wave reportedly crashed down on the swimmers, and Gaspard was pulled away.

He is still missing, with one official working with the Los Angeles Fire Department telling media that they believe the 39-year-old "did submerge." His wife was at the beach as well and was unhurt.

Authorities have released a missing poster with a picture of the wrestler taken on the day of his disappearance and have asked anyone with information to call either 911 or message his family. He has been described as being 6'7'' tall and weighing 265 pounds.

Gaspard is best-known for his time with WWE, where he entertained crowds as one-half of the tag team 'Cryme Tyme' alongside partner JTG. After his release from the company in 2007, he performed in the independent circuit and pursued an acting career.

He has since featured in several roles in films and television series, including 'Think Like a Man Too,' 'Get Hard,' 'The Game,' and 'From Dusk till Dawn: The Series.' He also co-created the graphic novel 'Assassin & Son,' which won several awards for best original independent graphic novel in 2011 and 2012.

TMZ reported that he made headlines in 2016 when he was involved in stopping an armed robbery in Florida after the assailant pulled out a handgun on him. Gaspar rushed at the robber, took away the gun, grabbed him by the neck, and forced him outside, where he bodyslammed him on the concrete. He then held down the assailant until the police reached the scene and arrested him.