SCHA Spokesperson: “This is extraordinarily shocking.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Throughout his career at the association, which is about 20 years everything he did was for them,” says Bob McAlister of McAlister Communications, whom is representing the South Carolina Hospitality Association. Bob McAlister says, Tom Sponseller spent his life with his family as a top priority. “He was a wonderful father, husband and provider,” says McAlister. But Tuesday, his family was left without him after they received news from police that Tom Sponseller’s body was found in a downtown Columbia parking garage. Police say it appears that Tom Sponseller died from a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head. “My heart goes out to the family, Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott. McAlister says those who knew Tom Sponseller are devastated. “This is extraordinarily shocking, this is your worst nightmare,” says McAlister. One that unfortunately came true for those who knew and love him. “When you work with someone that long you build up a trust and confidence,” says McAlister. Yet even with those, McAlister says Sponseller’s co-workers didn’t see this coming. “They are all shocked, can’t believe it, saw no signs of it,” says McAlister. According to police, Sponseller’s family also did not see any signs. Tuesday, friends dropped by the family home. “Everybody is sad, everybody is stunned, still shocked, confused,” says McAlister. Just Monday, Sponseller’s family posted a video to the “Help Find Tom Sponseller,” Facebook page. It’s full of candid family pictures. Yet Tuesday, the search ended. “The unfortunate thing is the family had to endure this,” says Chief Scott. “I can’t imagine what is must be like for them having endured 8 days of unknowing and then finding your worst fears realized,” says McAlister “Words really can’t get to the bottom line of this, I don’t have the words and I don’t think anybody else does, it is just a very, very sad, tragic thing,” says McAlister