‘Storage Wars’ Star, Darrell Sheets Dead at 67; Friend Fears Online Bullying Played a Role
The A&E family is mourning the loss of one of its most prolific reality TV stars. Darrell Sheets, who appeared in more than a dozen seasons of Storage Wars, beginning with the show’s very first season in 2010, has died. The TV personality and storage treasure hunter was 67. In the wake of his death, his co-star, Rene Nezhoda, is calling for the world to do better.
Darrell Sheets died by suicide at 67
Darrell Sheets’ death was announced on April 22. He died in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he had retired in 2019. According to initial reports, the Lake Havasu Police responded to a 911 call around 2 a.m. Police arrived at a private residence and found Sheets with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. While there is an ongoing investigation, Sheets appears to have died by suicide.
Sheets, who appeared in more than 160 episodes of Storage Wars, quickly earned the nickname “The Gambler” for his dedication to high-stakes, high-risk bidding. Sheets largely walked away from TV in 2019 after suffering a heart attack. He retired to Arizona that same year and kept a fairly low profile since. An A&E spokesperson spoke to People following the announcement of Sheets’ death. In their statement, the network called the reality TV star a beloved family member and extended condolences to his loved ones.
Rene Nezhoda revealed that Darrell Sheets was the victim of cyberbullying
Shortly after news of Sheets’ passing broke, his Storage Wars co-star came forward with a troubling account of cyberbullying that he fears may have contributed to Sheets’ tragic death. Rene Nezhoda, who appeared on the series from season 4 until season 16, took to Instagram to reveal that Sheets had been the victim of cyberbullying in the weeks and months leading up to his passing.
Nezhoda didn’t name any names. Still, he did note that one individual had truly “tormented” Sheets. Nezhoda kept the identity of the alleged bully anonymous but made it clear that the bully was likely not a public figure. Nezhoda claims he shared the information, hoping to get something positive out of Sheets’ tragic passing, noting that he wants people to take accountability and to be better.
According to several sources, the Lake Havasu Police Department was aware of the cyberbullying allegations. Sheets’ death remains an active investigation.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to speak with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.
