Daffney – the WCW star with the ear-splitting screams – was pronounced dead on September 2nd, 2021. She was just 46 years old at the time of her passing.
Shannon Spruill, who portrayed Daffney, joined WCW in late 1999 and was immediately noticed for her unique look and wild style. In an era that was filled with Barbie Dolls, bikini babes and model types, Daffney was the total opposite; she was a goth girl who preferred black over blonde.
She became known as a risk taker and a bad girl, having been paired with several other ‘crazy’ characters over the years. Still, she always managed to stand out and carve a niche of her own.
While she had a nice career in pro wrestling, she probably didn’t receive all the credit she deserved as a trailblazer. The WWE women’s revolution was still years away. By then? She was past the prime years of her career.
According to TMZ, Daffney posted a very cryptic video message just hours before she passed away, in which she described how “alone” she felt.
“Do you guys not understand that I am all alone?” Daffney said on Instagram. “Do you not understand that?”
Upon the news of Daffney’s death, there was an outpouring of not just sadness, but also fondness of her memory from the wrestling community.
While details of her passing are still coming out, it’s been widely accepted by the wrestling community that she took her own life. The video she left behind, along with her well-documented battles with depression, can lead us to that conclusion.
In what seemed to be a desperate, last-minute plea to the world, she poured her heart out. It’s an example of an age-old adage. Some of the people who appear so tough on the outside can be very sensitive on the inside.
Daffney is another example of a performer who battled depression and died way before their time. Ashley Massaro and Hana Kimura can be added that list, as well. That feeling of loneliness is somewhat of a quiet epidemic in the professional wrestling industry.
Some stars – like Allie and Trey Miguel – have been very open about their struggles. The main advice most of those who have acted as spokespeople stress is this: Reach out for help if you feel that you need it.
Many people who suffer from mental health issues will do their best to mask it, drown it out or hide it.
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According to Hopkins Medical, approximately 9.5% of American adults ages 18 and over, will suffer from a depressive illness (major depression, bipolar disorder, or dysthymia) each year. Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men.
Some believe the figure is even higher. One out of every four people has said that they have had moments in their life where they have felt a sense of ‘hopelessness’.
No one can be sure how the last hours of Daffney’s life went. Most people can’t imagine the agonizing mental torture that goes through someone’s mind when they feel like they have nothing left to live for anymore.
Now, she will take those moments to the grave with her.
Daffney became famous for the shrill sounds she made as a character in wrestling. But sadly in real life? She was screaming on the inside… silently to herself.
Anyone who feels they are suffering from anxiety or depression is encouraged to call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit samhsa.gov
