WWE referee Daphanie LaShaunn, whose real name is Aja Smith, has expressed profound sorrow after four members of her family perished in a devastating house fire. The 31-year-old official, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, described her heart as aching and her soul as hollow in the wake of the tragedy.
A Family's Unimaginable Loss
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Smith revealed that she lost her grandmother, grandfather, uncle, and cousin in the fire. She pleaded for prayers as her family navigates what she called an 'unbelievable nightmare'. The incident has left them grappling with the immense task of planning four funerals and rebuilding their lives.
Smith highlighted the plight of her cousin's family, a household of seven with five children, who are now displaced and have lost everything. She urged for support, noting that even a repost of her message could help raise awareness and assistance.
Community Rallies with Financial Support
A GoFundMe campaign was swiftly established to aid the affected family, raising approximately $58,000 within the first 13 hours. Family member Jasmine Ivey detailed the urgent needs, which include clothing, shoes, toiletries for the children, food, school supplies, basic necessities, and emergency housing or temporary living assistance.
Notable contributions have poured in from the wrestling community and beyond. An anonymous donor gave $10,000, while three others each donated $5,000. WWE superstars Bayley and Liv Morgan contributed $5,000 each, with Shotzi Blackheart sending $1,111, Nattie Neidhart donating $500, and fellow WWE referee Shawn Bennett adding $1,000.
Outpouring of Condolences from WWE Stars
Smith's Instagram post has been flooded with messages of support from fans and colleagues. WWE wrestler Chelsea Green expressed her sorrow, writing, 'Oh my god. I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love.' Backstage interviewer Cathy Kelley added, 'Sending so much love your way!!!'
Byron Saxton, another WWE broadcaster, commented, 'You and your family are in my heart. What a horrific tragedy. I will pray for your emotional strength as you navigate this situation.' Current World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk responded with heart emojis, and Raw general manager Adam Pearce offered his love, stating, 'I have no words, Aja. I send all my love to you and yours.'
Background on Aja Smith's Career
Aja Smith was born in Brazil and immigrated to Georgia in the United States at a young age. She began her career as a wrestler before being signed by WWE as a referee after attending a tryout. In a historic milestone, she became the first black female referee to officiate a WrestleMania match in 2022.
Smith married former WWE NXT star Leon Duff in September 2022. She continues to be a regular presence on WWE programming, appearing weekly on SmackDown and at premium live events, including the recent Royal Rumble.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the wrestling world, uniting the community in support of one of its own during a time of immense grief and loss.
