If you leave your treasures in a storage unit, there’s always a chance if could appear on Storage Wars. The popular A&E series follows treasure hunters with a knack for getting the most for their money. Sadly, an original cast member who appeared on the show since its 2010 premiere passed away this week in a heartbreaking way. Brandi Passante shared an emotional tribute to her co-star and their tragic death.
Trigger warning: this article contains references to suicide, which some individuals may find distressing.
Storage Wars Star Dies By Suicide
The majority of Storage Wars episodes are filmed in California. Season 16 of the popular reality show aired in 2025. Fans have been waiting for news on Season 17. Sadly, the show lost one of its cast members this week.
Darrell Sheets was an original star on the A&E series. He left the show in 2023 to retire to Arizona to open an antique shop amid serious health issues. He suffered a heart attack in 2019 and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Darrell Sheets is one of several Storage Wars stars to pass away in recent years. However, his manner of death makes it even more heartbreaking.
On Wednesday, April 22, the police in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, received a call of a dead body. After arriving at the Storage Wars star’s home, they determined that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Brandi Passante Mourns Co-Star After Shocking Death
Darrell Sheets was nicknamed “The Gambler” during his time on the A&E reality show for his bold risks on units, which often led to higher paydays. He starred alongside Brandi Passante for many years. She took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to her late co-star.
“I’m at a loss for words! I’ve known Darrel 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. I unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations,” she wrote about the heartbreaking loss.
The Storage War star encouraged her followers to seek help if they were depressed or suffering from mental health issues. “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,” she wrote.
The post received many comments of condolences for the loss of Darrell Sheets. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
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.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
