The former professional wrestler known as Daffney was found dead at her Norcross apartment last Thursday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Gwinnett County Police Department.
Daffney, whose real name was Shannon Spruill, was 46 years old.
An incident report obtained by USA Today Sports said Gwinnett police conducted a welfare check Thursday morning after Daffney posted a disturbing video on Instagram Live the night before, announcing that she was going to kill herself.
An officer arrived at the complex to find Daffney’s mother, Jean Spruill, and another relative standing outside, but they were initially unable to enter the residence because the door was dead-bolted, the incident report said, according to USA Today.
“Nothing suspicious was observed” at the time and the officer left the scene, USA Today reported.
TMZ reported that police may have struggled to find Daffney because she had moved to a new apartment four days earlier.
A few hours later the officer was called back to the apartment and noted that Daffney’s car was in the parking lot, indicating she was inside. The deputy then called the Gwinnett County Fire Department to break down the door, the incident report said.
After entering the residence, the officer found the former WCW star lying on a bed mortally wounded with a firearm next to her, according to USA Today.
The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed she was dead at the scene but did not reveal other details about how she died due to the pending investigation.
In the social media video late Wednesday, Daffney asked, “Do you guys not understand that I am all alone? Do you not understand that?” Moments later she ended the message on an ominous note, saying, “Remember, my brain goes to Boston.”
Family and friends in the wrestling world were reportedly devastated by the tragic news.
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
— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) September 2, 2021
If you’re hurting and thinking of doing harm to yourself, please know that help is available.
800-273-8255 https://t.co/9AH20OjY50
“We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger,” said friend and fellow wrestler Lexie Fyfe, who told TMZ that Daffney had been dealing with mental health issues.
“We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister.”
Daffney was apart of my career from my early days with the Highspots family. She never hesitated to show me kindness, rather it be a place to crash while on the road or just fun conversation at the gimmick table.
— PRIME Alexander (@CedricAlexander) September 2, 2021
You are loved and missed#RIPDaffney
Spruill began her professional wrestling career in 1999 with World Championship Wrestling, where she became the second woman to win the WCW Cruiserweight Championship title.
RIP Daffney.
— On This Day in WWE (@OTD_in_WWE) September 2, 2021
She told me she loved seeing the video I posted of her accidentally winning the cruiserweight title from @wcwcrowbar, on the 20 year anniversary of the moment last year, as it reminded of the fun she had in WCW. pic.twitter.com/QJcfCmXjNy
My favorite WCW Daffney moment. Daffney was so excited that I would put her over like this. I’m pretty sure it happened because @wcwcrowbar and I were just talking about how to get her involved in the match. Daff thanking me 8 million times at least. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/hwMJmMiQMA
— Hurricane Helms (@ShaneHelmsCom) September 2, 2021
She competed in the league until 2001 and then embarked on an independent career before joining Total Nonstop Action Wrestling from 2008 to 2011.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Guidelines are also posted online about how to talk about suicide.
