Ex-WWE star Shad Gaspard missing after a day at the beach goes horribly wrong.

[Magic-Man]

Shad Gaspard's Family 'Praying for Safe Return,' Please Stay Positive

The search to find Shad Gaspard has been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard tells us.

www.tmz.com

Officials are desperately searching for ex-WWE superstar Shad Gaspard -- after he went missing during a swim at Venice Beach on Sunday with his 10-year-old son.

Gaspard and his son were among a group of swimmers caught in a strong rip current around 4 PM -- with lifeguards racing into the water to pull everyone out.

Gaspard's son was rescued -- but the 39-year-old pro wrestler has not been located.

Click to shrink...

One witness at the scene tells us ... when lifeguards raced into the ocean, Gaspard directed rescuers to help his son first, which they did.

Click to shrink...

This is awful. The detail that he told rescuers to save his son first before he went missing is heartbreaking.