The death of Shannon Spruill, a former professional wrestler, WCW and TNA Wrestling star, who went by the ring name Daffney Unger, was announced on Thursday (02.09.21) by SHIMMER women’s professional wrestling association, one day after posting alarming social media videos.
Shannon Spruill Aka Daffney Unger Instagram Live Video – Daffney Unger Cause of Death and Last Video:
“We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger @screamqueendaff. 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.”
-Lexie Fyfe— SHIMMER Wrestling (@SHIMMERwomen) September 2, 2021
Lexie Fyfe tweeted: “We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger.
“I will miss you my logical sister from another mister.”
Shannon worked as an on-screen manager and in-ring competitor herself – has passed away after making concerning statements during an Instagram Live this week. She was 46.
The wrestling community is rallying around Daffney Unger after the former pro wrestler shared concerning videos of herself on Wednesday night.
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.”
Unger’s death was also confirmed on Facebook by her mother, Jean Tookey Spruill.
“It is with great sadness I have to let you know that my daughter Shannon Spruill — Scream Queen Daff — passed away suddenly last night,” Jean Tookey Spruill wrote. “Absolutely heartbroken.”
Unger raised concerns among friends and fellow wrestlers on Wednesday after she hosted an Instagram Live session that showed her holding what appeared to be a small gun.
Shannon Spruill Family:
“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.” A cause of death has not been released.
Spruill’s mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, posted on Facebook that she is, “absolutely heartbroken,” saying her daughter passed away last night.
Who Was Shannon Spruill:
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.
Daffney Unger dies aged 46 after concerning live stream.
“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 on to become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades.”
“WWE extends its condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.”
Shannon Spruill Instagram video – Why is Daffney Unger Instagram video trending?
In her video on Wednesday (01.09.21), which has since been reposted to YouTube and other social media platforms, Unger talked about potentially having symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disorder caused by repeated concussions.
In the live stream, Unger was holding what appeared to be a small gun, and she was seen crying.
She asked: “Do you guys not understand that I’m all alone?”
She asked again if anyone understood, and pleaded with people to “stop”.
She also discussed potentially suffering from symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative brain disorder caused by repeated concussions.
“The most important thing to remember is, that, CTE, and head injuries and concussions, they can only really now be,” Unger said in the video, before pausing. “They can now really only be diagnosed after you are dead.
“So, I don’t want to do anything to hurt my brain. I want to be studied. “I want the future generations to know. Don’t do stupid like me.”
She added: “Remember, my brain goes to Boston.”
Warning: This video contains graphic content
Disturbing content warning – Daffney (Unger) went live on Instagram and many have feared that she is suicidal, holding what appeared to be a small pistol on the stream. If you or someone you know needs help call 800-273-8255 pic.twitter.com/SnvmNe3FeP
— SkullsMedia.com by GIFSkull (@SkullsMedia) September 2, 2021
Wrestler Velvet Sky tweeted at Unger and included a photo of the pair and a message of encouragement.
My girl @screamqueendaff is tough as nails! All my love to you. You are never ever alone. SO many people love you!! You are going to be ok, love! You got this!! 🙏🏼💜 pic.twitter.com/8jhaoH7ma2
— Velvet Sky (@VelVelHoller) September 2, 2021
Daffney Fellows and Freinds on Tweeter:
IMPACT Wrestling’s Gail Kim said: “So incredibly sad to hear the news about Daffney/Shannon.
“Heartbreaking to know that she felt so alone and in that dark space.
“If you are feeling this way, please reach out to others. You’re never alone.”
After the video was posted, former wrestler Mick Foley posted on Twitter and asked people to help locate Unger, he also said that 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.”
WWE star Big E tweeted: “I’m so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger.
“If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to be a burden. Reach out for help. It saved my life.”
Numerous current and former wrestlers posted messages on Twitter Thursday remembering Spruill and advocating those struggling with their mental health to seek help.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing @screamqueendaff but my heart breaks for her & everyone who did know her. Mental health is so very important & it’s important to always choose kindness. #RIPDaffney https://t.co/DeI7azdPjH
— Lexi Kaufman (@AlexaBliss_WWE) September 2, 2021
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
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
If you’re in need, please please please reach out. Someone cares. Someone loves you. Someone wants to help. Call 1-800-273-8255 if you can’t reach anyone else. #RIPDaffney 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/HtXd6dQsbT
— Adam Pearce (@ScrapDaddyAP) September 3, 2021
The Scream Queen. #RIPDaffney pic.twitter.com/4IvHdgtxG4
— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) September 2, 2021
Fellow professional wrestler Lexie Fyre said 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.
Her fellow SmackDown performer Natalya wrote: “I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Daffney.
“She was a very talented performer who dedicated a lot of her life to entertaining others through her performances in the ring.
“I am sending my deepest condolences to her family and keeping Daffney in my prayers.”
On Thursday, Foley wrote a long post on Facebook to pay tribute to Unger.
“May God bless you, Shannon, and may you rest in peace,” Foley wrote. “You were such an important figure in wrestling, ahead of your time, giving more to the wrestling business than it ever gave to you, inspiring others who didn’t look like the women of the day to follow a path you helped pave.
“But you were more than a wrestler. You made miracles happen.”
If you or anyone you or anyone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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