Reality television star Darrell Sheets, widely recognised for his role on the hit series Storage Wars, has passed away at the age of 67.
According to reports citing the Lake Havasu City Police Department, officers responded to a residence in Arizona on April 22, where they discovered Sheets’ body.
In a statement shared by TODAY, police confirmed that Sheets had taken his own life.
Sheets rose to fame on Storage Wars, a reality programme where participants bid on abandoned storage units without knowing their contents. Nicknamed “The Gambler,” he appeared on the popular US show from 2010 to 2023, often alongside his son, Brandon.
“We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets,” a spokesperson for US network A&E told People magazine. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
His co-star, René Nezhoda, paid tribute on social media, writing: “RIP Darrell Sheets! Our prayers are with you and your family. It’s been an honour to share the stage with you the last 15 years.”
In a video accompanying the post, Nezhoda addressed rumours that the pair “hated each other” due to their on-screen rivalry. “Deep down, me and Darrell were friends. We talked every now and then,” he said.
Nezhoda also raised concerns about alleged cyberbullying that Sheets had experienced prior to his death. “He had a guy really, really tormenting him lately,” Nezhoda said. “Darrell has been posting a lot about the guy that’s been cyberbullying him and tormenting him, and I really hope [law enforcement] look into that guy and it’s just not a pass.”
Sergeant Kyle Ridgway told Entertainment Weekly: “The Lake Havasu City Police Department [of Arizona] is aware of the cyberbullying accusations and it is a part of the current active investigation.”
“Guys, just because you watch us on television doesn’t mean you know us,” Nezhoda added in the video. “It doesn’t mean you know what we’re about. Also, it doesn’t entitle you to bully somebody ... you shouldn’t cyberbully at all.”
Police said Sheets’ family has been notified and the case remains under active investigation.
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