Former WWE star Shad Gaspard is still missing after rip current pulled him to the sea while swimming with his 10-year-old son.
According to Daily Mail, there were multiple lifeguards on the scene, along with rescue boats, drivers, and paramedics on standby. Helicopters were hovering over the newly reopened Venice beach in California for almost three hours.
One onlooker said: “I saw the young boy who was inconsolable and his mother who had her arms wrapped around him. The whole thing was just heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking to see this mother and child in complete despair.”
Gaspard’s wife, Siliana, was seen being consoled by friends and family members as the search continued for the former WWE star.
In an interview with Daily Mail, Kenichi Haskett of Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Lifeguard Division said: “We had one of our lifeguards go out to make a double rescue of a father and a son.
“The father unfortunately got pushed down by a wave as they were getting pulled out of the current. The lifeguard rescued and grabbed the boy, the son, and tried to grab the father as well.
“He ended up getting pushed down by a wave and we couldn’t find him and we immediately started with our rescue boats, called in additional lifeguards to search that location of his dad.”
Helicopters hovered over the beach and many residents are asking why the beach was open if the rip currents were strong.
Daisy Godfrey told Daily Mail: “There were unusually strong rip currents the day before this happened. Two girls were pulled out because of the riptide. I am not sure why swimmers weren’t warned. Lifeguards were there immediately but the helicopter took almost an hour to get there.”
She added: “If you feel a strong pull, that’s the time to get out of the water. But many swimmers may not think anything of the pull, especially if they don’t go to the beach a lot.”
The search for the missing father continues with his son and wife on site.
Venice local Patricia Powell told DailyMail: “The mother and son have remained on the beach at the same location since yesterday. Neighbors have provided them with water and blankets and chairs.
“And one neighbor who lives right on the beach just steps away from the incident has opened his doors for them in case they need a bathroom or a place to rest.”
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