Former wrestler Shannon 'Daffney' Spruill dead after posting alarming video on social media
The death of Shannon Spruill, a former professional wrestler who went by the ring name Daffney Unger, was announced on Thursday by SHIMMER women’s professional wrestling, one day after posting alarming social media videos.
"We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger," the statement read. "We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time."
Spruill's mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, posted on Facebook that she is, "absolutely heartbroken," saying her daughter passed away last night.
MORE: Despite 'Scream Queen' image, former wrestler Shannon 'Daffney' Spruill 'led with love'
Spruill, 46, attained fame in the wrestling world during her time with World Championship Wrestling in 1999-2001 – before it was bought out from the World Wrestling Federation – before appearing on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling from 2008 to 2011. A cause of death has not been released.
Many people on social media showed concern for Spruill on Wednesday night after she posted a video on Instagram with her crying and saying, "Do you guys not realize that I am all alone?" before appearing to hold a gun. She later said she wanted her "brain to go to Boston."
After the video was posted, former wrestler Mick Foley posted on Twitter he tried to get in contact with Spruill but went straight to voicemail, saying, "If anyone has a way of reaching Daffney Unger, or knows her address, please help out. She’s in a bad personal place and is threatening to harm herself."
Numerous current and former wrestlers posted messages on Twitter Thursday remembering Spruill and advocating those struggling with their mental health to seek help.
I’m so very sorry to learn of Daffney’s passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney
If you’re hurting and thinking of doing harm to yourself, please know that help is available.
800-273-8255 https://t.co/9AH20OjY50— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 2, 2021
The Scream Queen. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/4IvHdgtxG4
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) September 2, 2021
My heart hurts. Daffney was a beautiful person. I'll always remember her infectious laughter and voice, and the way she beamed when she entered the room and much more
If you need help you aren't alone
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255#RIPDaffney #screamqueen— Ember NXT Moon Palmer (@WWEEmberMoon) September 2, 2021
I’ve always felt that people with the biggest hearts are often the ones that feel the most pain. Finding out about Daffney seems to prove that. 💔
My sympathy goes out to everyone especially her family. Her work and beautiful soul will always be in our hearts. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/sVMHEgfZ1E— 🄼🄴🄻🄸🄽🄰 (@RealMelina) September 2, 2021
"Shortly after making a name for herself, Daffney made history in May of 2000 when she became only the second woman to hold the WCW Cruiserweight Championship," the WWE said in a statement Thursday evening. "With her signature scream and ever-changing style, Daffney would go onto become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades."
Fellow professional wrestler Lexie Fyre told the New York Daily News Spruill was, "a born performer who was made for wrestling.
“She’ll be missed as a performer, too, not just as a friend, but mostly as a friend," she said.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger dead after alarming Instagram videos
