Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets opened up about his battle with depression eight years before his death of an apparent suicide at age 67.
“Depression is the Devil’s way of attacking us, it knows no mercy, it takes our smiles,” Sheets wrote on Instagram in June 2018. “It comes and goes, it ruins our relationships, it takes away our happiness, it leads to suicide in some cases, it destroys all thoughts of positivity, it is a 24/7 battle and allows no rest for the suffering. It’s a very real deal.”
He continued at the time, “So please next time someone tells you they have Depression, be kind and know that they spend every minute they have breathing, suffering!!! #storagewars #trustmeiknow.”
Sheets was found dead at a residence in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on Wednesday, with authorities sharing a statement noting that he “suffered from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.”
“The male was pronounced deceased on scene and the Lake Havasu City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit was notified and responded to the scene to assume the investigation,” police wrote in the release.
They later confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that authorities were looking into allegations that the reality TV star had been bullied online.
“The Lake Havasu City Police Department is aware of the cyberbullying accusations,” Sgt. Kyle Ridgway told EW on Wednesday, “and it is a part of the current active investigation.”
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Sheets had appeared on the first 15 seasons of the long-running A&E series that follows professional buyers in search of valuable treasures bidding on storage lockers up for auction. Nicknamed “The Gambler,” he last appeared on the show in 2023.
“We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets,” A&E shared in a statement to EWfollowing news of his death. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
On Thursday, Dave Hester, a 61-year-old business owner who starred alongside Sheets on Storage Wars for more than a decade, reflected on his longtime castmate’s legacy in a video on Instagram.
Hester explained that he’d seen “a bunch of silly, goofy stuff” online in the wake of Sheets’ death, referring to the cyberbullying allegations.
“I know there was some stuff there about cyberbullying. I don’t even know how that exists because I turn that type of stuff off,” he said. “But I’m sure it’s out there. And if it’s happening, or happened, I hope that it gets taken care of the way it should be.”
Sheets’ Storage Wars costar Brandi Passante also shared a very personal response to Sheets’ death.
“I’m at a loss for words! I’ve known Darrel [sic] Sheets for many years. I’m just so very sorry, to hear the circumstances of his passing. My heart hurts for Brandon, Zoe, and Kimber,” Passante wrote on Instagram.
“I unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations,” she continued. “I would like to say to everyone, if you are struggling, if you feel hopeless or like no one cares. I assure you they do!! You are not alone. Please reach out for help. You are not taking your pain away, you are transferring it to someone else. The grief from suicide is endless.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
