Shannon Spruill, the professional wrestler who went by the name Daffney Unger, died of an apparent gunshot wound to the chest, according to a Gwinnett County (Ga.) Police Department incident report obtained by USA TODAY Sports.
Spruill, 46, was found dead on her bed and a firearm next to her on the bed Thursday when police officers entered Spruill’s apartment in Norcross, Georgia, on a welfare check, according to the incident report.
Her death was announced on Thursday in a statement by SHIMMER women’s professional wrestling. But a cause of death was not released at the time.
"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."
On Thursday, an officer was dispatched on a welfare check after Spruill was seen on Instagram Live saying she was going to kill herself. At the apartment complex, the officer met her mother, Jean, and Quentin Spruill, according to the incident report.
“Nothing suspicious was observed and they (sic) were no signs of anyone being inside,’’ the officer wrote. “We advised the Spruill (sic) we cold not make entry … into the apartment.’’
A few hours later, the officer was again dispatched to the apartment where Spruill's car was seen parked, according to the incident report. When officers were unable to access the apartment because of a deadbolt lock, the Gwinnett County Fire Department arrived, breached the door and made entry, according to the incident report.
Jean Spruill posted on Facebook that she is, "absolutely heartbroken."
Spruill gained fame in wrestling during her time with World Championship Wrestling from 1999 to 2001 – before it was bought out from the World Wrestling Federation – before appearing on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling from 2008 to 2011.
The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner said it could not provide information about Spruill's death because the matter was pending investigation.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
