WWE star Shad Gaspard has died at the age of 39, the Los Angeles County Fire Department have confirmed.
Gaspard, who teamed with partner JTG as a member of WWE tag team Cryme Tyme, had been missing since Sunday after he was caught up in strong rip currents when he went swimming, and a body was found on Wednesday morning.
On Tuesday the US Coast Guard and LAPD announced that they had abandoned their search for the wrestler "after 16.5 hours of searching with multiple rescue assets covering 70 square nautical miles and seven search patterns."
On Wednesday morning Gaspard's wife, Siliana, made a statement about the missing star, saying: "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.
"Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return.
"As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad."
Siliana and her family had been distributing missing posters and circulating social media posts in an effort to find Gaspard.
High-profile figures such as Vince McMahon also sent their best wishes, with the WWE promoter taking to social media to post: "The thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Shad Gaspard’s family during this difficult time."
Gaspard was active in WWE until 2016 and also made a number of film and TV appearances.
