This past spring I interviewed Shannon “Daffney” Spruill for my book about the history of TNA/IMPACT Wrestling. Thank god I did because last night she tragically committed suicide, and, as a result, the world lost a wonderful, kind, and talented human being.
Last night, while in bed, I was scrolling through Twitter, and I started to read a myriad of messages from the likes of Mick Foley, Shark Boy, David Penzer, and others trying to get in touch with Daffney, following a suicidal video she broadcasted on Instagram live. In this video, she brandished a gun, spoke about being all alone, cried, and her phone vibrated so much with calls and text messages from concerned family and friends that she dropped it.
After seeing this video of Shannon in a great deal of pain, I, among many others, called and texted her, trying to prevent Shannon from making this soul-crushing decision, but our efforts were in vain.
Today, I received confirmation of my worst fears: she was gone. Seeing the tweet from Shimmer, posted with the approval of her family, unequivocally substantiating that Shannon had died made me cry. The news that had me in shock all day, all of a sudden, was . . . real, and I was filled with sadness.
"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.
— SHIMMER Wrestling (@SHIMMERwomen) September 2, 2021
I will miss you my logical sister from another mister."
-Lexie Fyfe
Shannon and I spoke for two hours during my interview with her, and she sent me emails and voice messages afterward. I listened to one of those messages earlier today. In it she broke down and cried because she was happy that I was going to tell the world her story, through my book. She thanked me for this, but I’m the one who should be thanking her — for her kindness, compassion, and innumerable gifts. I will miss her, as will millions the world over. Rest in peace, Scream Queen. Rest in peace.
