Shad Gaspard heroically threw his 10-year-old son to safety before tragically drowning at sea. 

The former WWE star was swimming with friends and family at Venice Beach when he was swept away by a strong riptide. 

His body was found on Wednesday, three days after he went missing. 

Gaspard and his son were caught in a deadly current around 4pm on Sunday and when lifeguards arrived to try and save the two of them, he told them to resue his boy, Aryeh, first. 

According to The Daily Mail, eyewitnesses also saw the 39-year-old throwing his son to lifeguards in a heroic final act, before being swept under by another wave.

"His main concern was the safety of his son. He did everything he could to protect his boy," the witness said. 

On Friday, Shad's wife, Siliana, paid an emotional tribute to her husband following his death.

"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," she wrote.

"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.

"I love you more my love." 

Gaspard's passing is truly heartbreaking, but he will be fondly remembered by friends and family, and all those who he entertained during his run with WWE. 

His heroic final act will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Shad.