Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
New information has emerged following the death of Storage Wars star Darrell Sheets, after an autopsy report provided further details.
The 67-year-old reality TV personality was found dead at his home last month in the Lake Havasu area of Arizona. When officers attended the property, they described discovering Sheets with ‘a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.’
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement asked anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact them.
Several weeks later, The Lake Havasu City police department confirmed that ‘the manner of death’ had been ruled as suicide. They also said the inquiry was looking into ‘allegations of cyberbullying’.
An autopsy has since added more context to the circumstances surrounding the Storage Wars star’s death. According to the report, obtained by US Weekly, the toxicology analysis returned negative.
US Weekly reports that investigators screened Sheets’ blood for cocaine, fentanyl, benzos and other substances, and that no drugs were present in his system at the time of his death.
“The body is that of a well-developed, well-nourished adult male,” the report said. Prior to the findings being released, the Lake Havasu City Police Department stated the case was being ‘ruled as suicide,’ pending the results, which have now come back as negative.
Police previously said they would continue to “actively investigate allegations of cyberbullying associated” with the death, adding that they would share ‘more information’ when available.
They also confirmed the star’s ‘cellular phone for forensic analysis’ had been submitted.
Following the news, Sheets’ co-star Rene Nezhoda spoke to TMZ and said: “Just cause you watch us on television doesn’t mean you know us, it doesn’t mean you know what we’re about. Also it doesn’t entitle you to bully somebody. You shouldn’t cyberbully at all.”
After Sheets’ death, messages of tribute were shared widely. The Sunday April 25 episode of Storage Wars: Back to the Locker was dedicated to him, featuring a memoriam tribute.
His son Brandon also paid tribute online on what would have been his father’s birthday, writing: “Thank you for raising me to be the man I am today… wish that I could spend just one more day with you. I love you dad and happy birthday.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.