Mark Balelo, who appeared on several episodes of A&E’s reality show “Storage Wars,” was found dead in his car running in a garage at his auction house in Simi Valley, Calif. on Monday, according to multiple reports.
He was found dead of presumed carbon monoxide poisoning. Balelo reportedly killed himself one day after he was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine.
TMZ reported that the 40-year-old owner of Balelo, Inc. was distraught after his arrest. He allegedly met with his fiancee and told her that he might hurt himself. After the two allegedly spoke at his office for a couple hours, he took a nap and seemed better upon waking. His fiancee left Sunday night and one of his employees found him dead in his car the next morning.
Law enforcement sources say an autopsy has been scheduled for today.
Balelo, who was jokingly called “Rico Suave” on the show for his flashy attire, is known for helping return a rare Superman comic book valued at $1 million to its owner Nicholas Cage.