Crime & Safety
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.
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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.
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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.
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