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REMEMBERING SHANNON 'DAFFNEY' SPRUILL

Michael Bochicchio, the owner of Highspots.com wrote the following remembrance of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney.  PWInsider.com is reprinting it with his permission.

 

PLEASE CHECK IN WITH YOUR FRIENDS THAT ARE STRUGGLING.

The realization that I can never call Shannon again leaves me riddled with guilt and sadness that I didn’t do enough for someone who was always there for me. In her IG video that I helplessly watched live, she said that she didn’t want to be a burden on any of her friends. That particular line is going to haunt me forever, as I heard her say it each and every time I talked to her on the phone for the last 10 years as she struggled with both a bipolar disorder and a debilitating post concussion syndrome.

I worked with “Daffney” a few times doing some signings and an interview back in the late 90s. I had lost touch with her for a few years, but we reconnected again at an indy show in Birmingham, Alabama. I’m not sure what specifically sparked the conversation, but shortly thereafter, she moved to Charlotte NC with her boyfriend at the time (Caleb Konley) and she worked in our office for several years. She lived in the “Highspots House”, brought her cat into the office each day, and was likely the person you talked to on the phone if you ever called our office for several years. The relationships she cultivated were an invaluable part of our company’s history.

Daffney taught my dog Nyah so many “dog tricks” that I would subsequently show off to others and impress them. She was 100% responsible for making my girl Nyah the coolest Siberian Husky of all time! I’m pretty sure my cool Husky is why my current wife Kristi dated me in the beginning of our relationship, so thanks to Daffney for that everlasting gift as well! Years later, when Nyah passed away unexpectedly, I sent a text to three people and she was one of them. She responded with several pictures she had taken of her and one of these sits on my desk today.

If I could sum up the great person that Daffney/Shannon was with one story, it will always take me back to Vicky Lyons.

To give background to Vicky’s obstacles, feel free to checkout her story:

In short, Vicky should have never been in a wrestling ring, but she was too stubborn to take no for an answer. Her reward for nearly 5 years of training was a single wrestling match with Daffney Unger. Daffney gave hundreds of hours of her time to make it happen, just so Vicky Lyons could achieve her lifetime dream of having a wrestling match in front of a live crowd. I encourage anybody grieving today to check out Daffney v. Vicky Lyons:

Daffney eventually moved to Florida to continue her journey and then lived the last few years in Georgia to be closer to her mother & father. I spoke with her regularly about her battles with depression and anxiety. She is a poster child for post concussion syndrome; she was never the same person after that injury. Unfortunately, because of these reasons, she was never able to make forward progress on the next stage of her life and it was painful to watch her continue to suffer. I was always hoping that one day she would find the right medication balance, specialist, and/or purpose in life to get to that point, which sadly never happened. Despite all of this, she was an amazing friend to so many people and I’m sure a lot of those friends today are also thinking “could I have done more for her”?

Her story will impact others facing similar issues and hopefully those that are part of the support system for those suffering. IF I can guarantee one thing, Shannon’s story will save others! Rest in peace Daff.

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If you are feeling suicidal, please ask for help.  In the United States, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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PWInsider.com would like to make those working in the professional wrestling industry aware of Behind the Scenes, a charity organization specifically launched to help those in the entertainment industry who deal with and live the the pressures of “the show must go on” 24/7 mentality that comes with working in the performing arts genre.

Their mental health initiative page notes:

"Many people have become increasingly concerned about the rising number of suicides and the prevalence of alcohol/substance misuse within the entertainment industry. By its very nature our industry can impact your physical and emotional health due to long hours, pressure to push your body, and high workplace stress. In response, Behind the Scenes and other individuals and organizations have come together to create this initiative."

There are mental health services available for those in both the United States and Canada, including peer to peer chats, suicide prevention resources, mental health first aid training, assistance with finding a therapist and an Anonymous Online Self-Assessment Tool.  All of these services are free.

You can find the Behind the Scenes' website at this link.

A special thanks to Ethan Gilson for all his help.

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