Darrell Sheets, who starred in the reality show Storage Wars, has died. He was 67.
Nicknamed “The Gambler,” Sheets appeared in dozens of episodes over 15 seasons and was known for his catchphrase: “This is the wow factor!”
He was found dead Wednesday in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Local newspaper Havasu News reported that he appeared to have died by suicide.
In a press release, Lake Havasu Police Department stated that they dispatched officers to a private residence at around 2 a.m. in response to reports of a “deceased individual.”
The release continued: “The body was ultimately turned over to the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s office for further investigation. The male subject has been identified as Darrell Sheets, a 67-year-old resident of Lake Havasu City and Darrell’s family has been notified. This incident remains under active investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Sheets was born on May 13, 1958 and spent over 30 years in the storage hunting business. He previously worked in landscaping.
He appeared in the first season of Storage Wars in 2010 and remained a key member of the cast until 2023. The series was filmed in California, where storage lockers can be auctioned off is rent is not paid for 36 days. The show follows professional buyers who purchase lockers in the hope of turning a profit.
Sheets was known for turning some of his purchases into huge profits, notably once finding four drawings by Picasso in a storage unit, as well as one of the world’s largest comic book collections in another. One unit he purchased for $3,600 ended up containing goods valued at about $1 million, one of the biggest hauls in the history of the show.
Sheets suffered a heart attack in 2019. He retired to Arizona, where he ran an antique store called Show Me Your Junk.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
