Featured Image Credit: Jerod Harris/WireImage/Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
Topics: Reality TV, Entertainment, US News, Real Life, True Life
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Reality TV, Entertainment, US News, Real Life, True Life
Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Following the sudden passing of her Storage Wars co-star Darrell Sheets, Brandi Passante has issued a statement.
Lake Havasu City Police Department responded to a report of a 'deceased individual' at around 2am on Wednesday (22 April).
The Arizona local, who was pronounced dead on the scene, was later confirmed to be TV star Darrell Sheets, known as 'The Gambler' on the hit auction competition series, Storage Hunters.
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He died by an apparent suicide, aged 67.
A spokesperson from A&E told PEOPLE on behalf of Sheets' loved ones: "We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler' Sheets. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."
In light of the heartbreaking announcement, Sheets' co-star Passante shared a tribute online, claiming she's at a 'loss for words'.
The 45-year-old wrote: "I've known Darrell 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."
Reflecting on her own experience with loss, Passante revealed she'd 'unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations'.
She then urged her followers not to 'suffer in silence', and to reach out for help if they find themselves in a dark place mentally.
"I would like to say to everyone, if you are struggling, if you feel hopeless or like no one cares," Passante continued. "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 added: "There is always help… You can dial 988 on your phone to connect with a counsellor and resources. Never suffer in silence!"
Passante accompanied her emotional message with a handful of selfies alongside Sheets.
One featured the A+E Network pair posing side-by-side, as Sheets points happily at his cast mate. Another image appears to have been captured while Sheets and Passante were filming together, showing them standing in front of a storage unit.
Another of the duo's co-stars, René Nezhoda, has also reacted to Sheets' unexpected death.
In a video shared to Instagram, he began: "This was not an easy video to shoot. Unfortunately, Darrell Sheets took his own life. So he passed away."
Nezhoda went on to note his and Sheets' infamous on-screen rivalry, adding: "I know a lot of you guys think we hated each other because we competed a lot on the show… but deep down me and Darrell were friends."
He described the late TV star as a 'very hard worker' who adored his son, Brandon - who often appeared alongside Sheets on Storage Hunters - and his granddaughter, Zoe.
Nezhoda also alleged, however, that Sheets had been 'cyberbullied' prior to his passing.
He added: "Guys, just because you watch us on television, doesn't mean you know us It doesn't entitle you to bully somebody."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123 or contact Harmless by visiting their website https://harmless.org.uk.
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.