.
Feedback

Local 'Storage Wars' Star Commited Suicide, Authorities Say

Mark Balelo, who appeared on several episodes of the show, was found at his Simi Valley business.

A man who appeared on a number of the A&E network's Storage Wars was found dead in his car at his Simi Valley auction house Monday.

Mark Balelo, 40, died of asphyxiation from carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes, according ro the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office.

Balelo's car was parked in the garage at his business, Balelo, Inc., on the 4400 block of Runway Street at about 6:05 a.m., police Sgt. Craig Dungan told the Ventura County Star, which reported Balelo was arrested Saturday on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine.

Balelo, Inc., deals with auctions, liquidations, coseouts and wholesale distribution, according to the business' website.

Storage Wars is a reality show in which treasure hunters bid on abandoned storage lockers.

According to Balelo's online Storage Wars autobiography, prior to establishing his main wharehouse in Simi Valley, he had lived in various places throughout Southern California and Arizona, including Oxnard and Camarillo. According to the site, Balelo updated his biography just a week ago.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Moorpark Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Loading comments ...
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
L May 21, 2013 at 01:47 pm
And Dave Bobardt is really smart too, he probably knows all this stuff without having to look it up!
Rebecca Whitnall (Editor) May 21, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Agreed, Eric. He's a really nice guy - and always so helpful when I need city information.
Eric Dee May 21, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Thanks Rebecca, read the article. Dave Bobardt is a good guy. I like seeing and talking with him.Read More
Eric Dee May 17, 2013 at 10:53 am
Two Guys from Italy has been sold recently. The sign in the window has been there for some time nowRead More indicating the change of ownership.
Tony May 17, 2013 at 09:16 am
I suspect due to slow business. When I go there I am the only customer. It seems that GrottaRead More Azura, on Princeton has closed as well.
Rebecca Whitnall (Editor) May 15, 2013 at 01:52 pm
Hi Janie, it's the Hallmark Channel. Today's the last day of filming. I posted an article earlierRead More today, "High Street Filming to End Wednesday," that lets you know more. - Becca PS Thank you for being the first brave soul to try out the quick comments/announcement section!
Janie Hein May 15, 2013 at 11:05 am
I too have noticed that smell! I thought I was just oversensitive because I'm pregnant right now.Read More Interesting...and disturbing.