TLDR: At least four people tied to the Storage Wars franchise have died. The most recent is Darrell Sheets, “The Gambler,” who died on April 22, 2026, at age 67, Earlier losses were Mark Balelo (2013), Moe Prigoff of Storage Wars: Texas (2021) and Gunter Nezhoda (2023). No report we found says that Dave Hester, Brandi Passante or Jarrod Schulz has died.
For most people searching “who died on Storage Wars” this year, the answer is Darrell Sheets.
He is not the only loss in the show’s orbit, so here is the full list, with the facts as reported.
Darrell Sheets, “The Gambler”
Darrell Sheets died on April 22, 2026, at age 67, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Fox 6 reported that police were called to his home around 2 a.m. and that he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Lake Havasu City police said his death appeared to be self-inflicted, and the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office took the case. The reports we found did not include a final ruling.
Sheets was one of the show’s original bidders, known for big swings and the “wow factor” catchphrase. He appeared in 163 episodes between 2010 and 2023, and he had retired to Arizona after a heart attack in 2019.
A&E said it was saddened by the passing of a beloved member of the Storage Wars family, according to Newsweek. His son Brandon appeared on the show alongside him.
Mark Balelo, “Rico Suave”
Mark Balelo, the auction house owner who earned the nickname “Rico Suave,” was found dead on Monday, February 11, 2013, at age 40. He was part of the show’s early seasons.
ABC News reported that he was found in his car at his auction house in Simi Valley, California. The Ventura County medical examiner’s office called it an apparent suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States.
Gunter Nezhoda and Moe Prigoff
Gunter Nezhoda, the father of cast member Rene Nezhoda, died on March 21, 2023, at age 67, after a battle with cancer, TVLine reported. You can read more about his son in our profile of Rene Nezhoda.
Morris “Moe” Prigoff, known as “The Doc” on Storage Wars: Texas, died on March 4, 2021, according to his obituary. Looper reported that the obituary described a six-year illness and did not name it.
He worked alongside Mary Padian on the Texas spin-off.
Who Is Still Alive
No report we found says that Dave Hester, Brandi Passante, Jarrod Schulz or Barry Weiss has died.
For where everyone stands today, see our Storage Wars cast update.
Who Died on Storage Wars: Frequently Asked Questions
Who died on Storage Wars?
At least four people tied to the franchise have died. They are Darrell Sheets (April 22, 2026), Mark Balelo (February 11, 2013), Moe Prigoff of Storage Wars: Texas (March 4, 2021) and Gunter Nezhoda, Rene Nezhoda’s father (March 21, 2023).
How did Darrell Sheets die?
Lake Havasu City police said his death on April 22, 2026, appeared to be self-inflicted, and the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office took the case. We have not seen a final ruling. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 in the United States.
How old was Darrell Sheets when he died?
Darrell Sheets was 67 years old.
Did Brandi and Jarrod die?
No. We found no report that Brandi Passante or Jarrod Schulz has died.
How did Gunter Nezhoda die?
Gunter Nezhoda, Rene Nezhoda’s father, died on March 21, 2023, at age 67 after a battle with cancer.
