There’s a problem with that write-up: there’s no credible reporting that Darrell Sheets died by suicide. In fact, publicly available information indicates he’s still alive. Stories like the one you’re describing are a common type of viral, emotionally charged misinformation that mix real people with false or exaggerated claims to get attention.

Because of that, it’s important not to treat the claim as factual or share it further without verification.

That said, the message being attributed to Brandi Passante—encouraging people to reach out for help—is grounded in something real and important. Conversations about mental health and suicide prevention matter, regardless of whether a specific story is accurate.

If you or someone you know is struggling, talking to a real person can make a difference. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat online through their website. They’re there 24/7.

And stepping back for a second—when you see stories like this online, especially ones that feel intense or shocking, it’s worth asking: Is this confirmed by reliable sources? That one question filters out a lot of misinformation.

If you want, I can show you how to quickly verify whether a viral story like this is real or not