“Storage Wars”’ Darrell Sheets Poses for Photo the Day Before He Was Found Dead in His Ariz. Home

NEED TO KNOW

• Hours before he was found dead at 67 on Wednesday, April 22, Darrell Sheets posed with two men inside his shop, giving a thumbs-up in the final known photo

• An eyewitness said the reality star was “upbeat and friendly” during the encounter

• He was found dead at his Arizona home from an apparent suicide and his death is currently under investigation

Darrell Sheets appeared relaxed and was smiling in the hours before he was found dead at age 67 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, from an apparent suicide on Wednesday, April 22.

In a photo obtained by TMZ, the late reality star, who was a staple on Storage Wars from 2010 to 2023, can be seen posing inside his antique shop alongside two other men.

The trio stood shoulder-to-shoulder in front of vintage signs and collectibles visible behind them as Sheets gave a friendly thumbs-up while wearing a sleeveless black top and shorts. The men on either side of him grinned toward the camera, with one also flashing a shaka hand gesture.

According to the outlet, the photo was taken around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, less than a day before his body was discovered the following morning.

Darrell Sheets pictured
Credit: Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix/Shutterstock

An eyewitness told the outlet that the reality star was “upbeat and friendly during the encounter, making the news of his death all the more shocking.”

Sheets was discovered dead in his home at approximately 2 a.m. local time on April 22, according to a press release from the Lake Havasu City Police Department. Authorities said he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death remains under investigation, with officials confirming that allegations of cyberbullying — raised publicly by several of his former costars — are being looked into as part of the case.

Sheets rose to fame on A&E’s Storage Wars, which premiered in 2010 and followed professional buyers bidding on abandoned storage lockers. Known as “The Gambler,” he became a fan favorite for his bold personality and high-stakes approach.

He stepped away from the series in 2023 and later opened his antique store, Havasu Show Me Your Junk, in Arizona.

Following news of his death, A&E shared a statement mourning the loss of the longtime cast member, calling him “a beloved member of our Storage Wars family” and extending condolences to his loved ones.

A number of his former Storage Wars costars have since spoken out, remembering Sheets and reflecting on the impact he had both on and off screen.

Darrell Sheets seen with his ‘Storage Wars’ costar Brandi Passante
Credit: Albert L. Ortega/Getty

René Nezhoda shared an emotional Instagram video shortly after the news broke, clarifying that their on-screen rivalry never defined their real-life relationship.

“This was not an easy video to shoot… unfortunately, Darrell Sheets took his own life,” he said, noting that while they were fierce competitors, “deep down me and Darrell were friends… he was a very hard worker that cared more than anyone I’ve ever met about their family.”

Nezhoda also alleged that Sheets had been dealing with cyberbullying prior to his death and urged accountability. “Just because you watch us on television doesn’t mean you know us,” he said. “You shouldn’t cyberbully at all… you never know what demons somebody faces.”

Brandi Passante also paid tribute in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing that she was “at a loss for words” as she mourned Sheets. “I’ve known Darrell Sheets for many years… my heart hurts for Brandon, Zoe, and Kimber,” she wrote, before sharing her own experience with loss and encouraging others to seek help.

Meanwhile, Dave Hester reflected on their longtime connection, calling Sheets “a big part of the show for a long time.” The original cast member acknowledged reports of cyberbullying but admitted he wasn’t familiar with the specifics, adding, “If it’s happening, or happened, I hope that it’s taken care of the way it should be.”

Hester went on to emphasize the close-knit nature of the cast, saying, “Storage Wars has a big family… we all love Darrell Sheets,” while remembering their competitive moments as “some of my best battles” that will now serve as lasting memories.

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