"I know there was some stuff there about cyberbullying. I don't even know how that exists because I turn that type of stuff off," Hester said, referring to reports that the reality star was the subject of cyberbullying. "But I'm sure its out there. And if its happening, or happened, I hope that its taken care of the way it should be."

Hester continued, sharing that Sheets was "part of the Storage Wars family." The pair were original cast members on the A&E series, which debuted in 2010. Sheets appeared on the show from 2010 through 2023, while Hester has had multiple stints on the show since its first season.

"He was a big part of the show for a long time," Hester said. "Storage Wars has a big family. They're still going and will keep going. And we'll stick together. We all love Darrell Sheets. Even though he wasn't actively filming at the time, he's always there. Some of my best battles are with him. Again, those will just be good memories."

"I hope the best for his family and everything and everybody's where they need to be, at peace. I hope he's in a better place. That's all I can say. Yup man out," he added, referring to his signature "YUUUP" bidding catchphrase on the series.

The Lake Havasu City Police Department confirmed on Wednesday that it located a "male subject who suffered from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head," when arriving at the scene. Later identified as Sheets, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the incident remains under active investigation and asked anyone with information to contact the Lake Havasu City Police Department at 928-855-1171.

Fellow series star René Nezhoda alleged after Sheets' death that his costar had been dealing with cyberbullying prior to his death and used the moment to call for accountability.

“Guys, just because you watch us on television, doesn’t mean you know us," Nezhoda said in an Instagram clip. "It doesn’t mean you know what we’re about. Also, it doesn’t entitle you to bully somebody. That’s not [just] us, that’s anybody. That’s any athlete. You shouldn’t cyberbully at all.”

Kyle Ridgway of the Lake Havasu City Police Department later confirmed to PEOPLE that authorities were "aware of these cyberbullying accusations and that is a part of the active investigation."

Costar Brandi Passante also shared a tribute on Wednesday, encouraging her followers to "never suffer in silence."

“I would like to say to everyone, if you are struggling, if you feel hopeless or like no one cares. I assure you they do!! You are not alone. Please reach out for help,” she said. “You are not taking your pain away, you are transferring it to someone else. The grief from suicide is endless. There is always help."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.