The cast of A&E’s reality series Storage Wars has come together to mourn their late costar Darrell Sheets following his death at age 67 from suicide.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona, police confirmed to Us Weekly on April 22 that officers responded to calls about a “reported deceased individual” earlier in the day and subsequently “pronounced [Sheets] deceased on scene.” Sheets’ family was subsequently notified and the “incident remains under active investigation,” per a Lake Havasu City Police Department spokesperson.
Darrell was survived by his son and Storage Wars costar, Brandon “The Sidebet” Sheets, and daughter Tiffany Shane Sheets. He was previously married to Kimber Wuerfel prior to their 2016 divorce.
As an original cast member on Storage Wars, Darrell earned the nickname “The Gambler” on the A&E series for his high-risk bidding strategy at auctions. He took on a part-time role on the reality show due to a 2019 heart attack, making sporadic appearances until leaving Storage Wars completely in 2023.
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Keep scrolling for the Storage Wars’ cast’s tributes to Darrell following his death:
Rene Nezhoda
Rene Nezhoda was frequently in competition with Darrell over high-value auction items on Storage Wars over the years, though their rivalry seemingly never got personal.
In a video obtained by TMZ on April 22, Nezhoda revealed that he talked to Darrell “every now and then” and heard that his former costar was being cyberbullied before his death.
“I know Darrell would want something positive out of this. He had a guy really tormenting him lately on cyberbullying,” Nezhoda said in the video. “Just cause you watch us on television doesn’t mean you know us … it doesn’t mean you know what we’re about. Also it doesn’t entitle you to bully somebody.”
The Storage Wars star went on, “You shouldn’t cyberbully at all. As a matter of fact. If you have somebody in your life that thinks its fun to cyberbully other people, maybe a celebrity athlete or a little girl or school or schoolmate, slap [them] in the back of the head. Make them become a better human being, because you never know what demons somebody faces and what they go through and what you might push them through.”
Nezhoda remembered Darrell as a “very hard worker that cared more than anyone.”
“We had our moments, we had our run-ins but that’s because we were both competitors … we’re the biggest threats out there. So deep down, me and Darrell were friends,” he said.
Brandi Passante
Following the news of Darrell’s death, Brandi Passante — one-half of the “Young Guns” duo with her ex Jarrod Schulz on Storage Wars — admitted she was “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,” she wrote via Instagram on April 22. “My heart hurts for [his son] Brandon, [his granddaughter Zoie], and [ex-wife] Kimber. I unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations. 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.”
She described “grief from suicide” as an “endless” tragedy that can be prevented by reaching out for help.
“There is always help… You can Dial 988 on your phone to connect with a counselor and resources. Never suffer in silence,” she concluded.
Dan Dotson
Dan Dotson — a veteran Storage Wars cast member who runs American Auctioneers with his wife Laura Dotson — shared a memorial on behalf of the auctioneer community on April 22.
“RIP Darrell Sheets. You’re in our hearts and minds. The world is going to miss you brother,” Dan wrote via Instagram.
A and E
A spokesperson for A&E paid tribute to Darrell’s legacy in a statement to Us Weekly on April 22. (The cable channel has aired 17 seasons of Storage Wars since December 2010.)
“We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets,” a network rep told Us. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Mary Padian
“Some people become part of a chapter in your life that you never forget,” Storage Wars star Mary Padian wrote via her Instagram Story. “You will be missed Darrell.”
Dave Hester
Business owner and Storage Wars star Dave Hester spoke about Darrell in an Instagram video.
Hester said he’s seen “a bunch of silly, goofy stuff” online about Darrell’s death, referring to allegations that he had been bullied online.
“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.”
The Lake Havasu City Police Department told Us Weekly that it is “aware of the cyberbullying accusations involved in this incident and these claims are a part of the active investigation.”
Hester described Darrell as “family” and a “big part of the show for a long time.”
“Storage Wars has a big family. They’re still going and will keep going. And we’ll stick together,” he continued. “We all love Darrell Sheets. Even though he wasn’t actively filming at the time, he’s always there. Some of my best battles are with him. But, again, those will just be good memories.”
Hester added, “I hope the best for his family, and [that] everything and everybody’s where they need to be — at peace. I hope he’s in a better place. That’s all I can say.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
