Darrell Sheets from Storage Wars Struggled with Depression Long Before His Passing

The late Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets openly discussed his battle with depression nearly ten years prior to his death.

“Depression is the Devil’s way of attacking us,” Sheets shared on Instagram in June 2018. “It shows no mercy; it steals our smiles, ebbs and flows, destroys our relationships, diminishes our happiness, and can lead to suicide in some cases. It obliterates any sense of positivity, creating a relentless battle that offers no respite to those who suffer.”

He emphasized that depression is a “very real issue” and urged others to show compassion towards those facing this mood disorder.

“So the next time someone tells you they are dealing with depression, please be kind and recognize that they are fighting for every breath they take!” he concluded.

Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, April 22, that Sheets passed away from an apparent suicide at the age of 67.

A representative from the Lake Havasu City Police Department informed Us that authorities responded to a call early Wednesday morning. Officers were sent to an Arizona home, where they found the reality star’s body. According to a press release, he appeared to have succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The official cause of death has yet to be confirmed as investigations are ongoing.

Darrell is survived by his son and Storage Wars co-star, Brandon “The Sidebet” Sheets, and his daughter Tiffany Shane Sheets. He was previously married to Kimber Wuerfel, with whom he parted ways in 2016.

Darrell gained fame as a cast member of Storage Wars from 2010 to 2023. The antique hunter earned the nickname “The Gambler” and was famous for his catchphrase, “This is the WOW factor!” He left the series in 2023 after suffering a heart attack.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a cherished member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets,” a spokesperson for A&E stated to Us on Wednesday. “Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this challenging time.”

Many of Darrell’s Storage Wars co-stars honored him following his passing. Reflecting on their relationship outside the show, onscreen rival Rene Nezhoda revealed that Darrell had been a victim of cyberbullying in the time leading up to his death.

“I know Darrell would want something positive to come from this. He was being tormented recently by someone online,” Nezhoda mentioned in a video released on Wednesday. “Just because you see us on television doesn’t mean you know who we are… it doesn’t give anyone the right to bully another person.”

Just a month before his passing, Darrell addressed his alleged cyberbullies.

“I have been hacked by a very malicious individual,” he posted on Facebook in March. “The clown. [The posts] are not from me; they are being created by… very evil people. I’m not gay, nor have I made any posts about any children’s arcade owner, etc. I feel extremely sorry and sick about this.”