Former Pro Wrestler Daffney Unger Dies From Apparent Suicide

The wrestling world of mourning the loss of former WCW and TNA wrestler Daffney Unger, whose name was Shannon Spruill, at 46 from an apparent suicide.

Spruill had been in the wrestling business from 1999 to 2011. Some of her ring names were Sharker Girl, The Governor and Draculette.

On September 1, Spruill went on Instagram Live and was seen with what looked like a small gun in her hand. Her demeanor seemed distressed as she spoke to her views about possibly having CTE, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caused by rereleased concussions. CTE has been an issue in professional sports especially for NFL players and professional wrestlers. 

“The most important thing to remember is that CTE, and head injuries and concussions, they can really only be diagnosed after you are dead,” Spruill said on the live video.

Spruill’s mother Jean Tookey Spruill confirmed the news of her daughter passing on Facebook saying she was “absolutely heartbroken.” 

Spruill made her TV debut on WCW, a wrestling corporation WWE later purchased. She worked there from 1999-2001 until being released due to budget cuts. Spruill then went on to do shows on the independent circuit and joined Total Nonstop Wrestling (TNA) in 2008. There she was a part of different storylines and character changes. One of her personas was The Governor which was inspired by former  Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin. She left the wrestling promotion in 2011 and returned to doing independent shows.

Pro wrestlers have been sharing their condolences and memories of Spurill on social media. WWE posted a black and white photo of Spurill titled “The Scream Queen.” WWE wrestler Bayley shared her tribute to Sprurill on Instagram. “We love you Daff,” she wrote. “Thank you for opening your arms/doors to me and SO many others during our time of need. I can’t begin to explain the impact you’ve had on us. I’m going to miss you.”