Gunter Nezhoda, best known for his role in A&E’s hit reality show “Storage Wars,” died in his sleep in Salt Lake City from complications caused by lung cancer, TMZ reported Thursday. He was 67 years old.
Nezhoda discovered his cancer diagnosis in September and pursued chemotherapy. The treatment caused holes to form in his lungs, Nezhoda’s son Rene told TMZ. The reality television star made the decision to fly to Utah to undergo emergency surgery, but doctors determined there was nothing else they could do to assist him, according to TMZ.
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Nezhoda’s youngest son, Ricky, was by his side at the time of his death, the outlet reported. Nezhoda had a recurring role on “Storage Wars” and appeared in seven episodes of the show between the years 2015-2019, according to TMZ. Nezhoda had also teamed up with Rene to film an episode alongside his son for the upcoming fourteenth season.
Rene spoke out about losing his father in a video posted to Instagram.
Gunter Nezhoda from “Storage Wars” has died after a battle with lung cancer. https://t.co/OR5K4Q2oRs
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 23, 2023
“I’m telling you guys this because I know that you guys connected with my dad,” he said. “My dad was one of the guys on Storage Wars that never really got any hate, people just loved him and being around him, including the crew.”
“Everybody loved working with my dad, so I appreciate the support,” he added.
Nezhoda’s talents weren’t just limited to reality television. He also played roles in several movies and played bass alongside Kevin Dubrow, Pat Travers, George Lynch, Michael Schenker and Leslie West, among others, according to TMZ. (RELATED: TikTok Star Jehane Thomas Dies Suddenly At Age 30)
Prior to finding success as an on-screen actor, Nezhoda demonstrated skills as a professional photographer and worked to capture images for companies like Ford, Microsoft and Big-O-Tiers. Many of his images were published in magazines and advertisements, according to TMZ.