“Storage Wars” star Mark Balelo was found dead in his home on Monday morning of an apparent suicide, and some think he was depressed over a recent arrest.
Balelo was picked up for a drug-related offense on Saturday and expressed fear to his fiancee that he might hurt himself. After his release, he went home to rest and seemed to be doing better. However, the 40-year old was found dead in his garage this week of apparent carbon-monoxide poisoning. An autopsy will be completed today.
Balelo had issues with the law before, after an earlier arrest on a felony drug offense and complications with the custody of his children. Nicknamed “Rico Suave” because of his flamboyant style, Balelo was a popular contributor on “Storage Wars”, often bringing thousands in cash with him to bid at auctions. His Facebook profile hinted at new reality projects in the works.
“I fly private planes, race cars and love going to Las Vegas and put on a show. I own several businesses and participate in many TV shows including Storage Wars. I am currently working on a new reality show of my own,” he wrote.