Former American Pickers star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60, according to his friends and family.
Fritz, part of the original series’ duo, had seen his health gradually deteriorate since he left the show in 2021.
The reality star suffered a stroke in his Iowa home the next year but his cause of death remains unclear.
‘This is a very tough announcement to make Frank passed away last night around 7:30 he was surrounded by myself, Mike Wolfe made a high speed to get back here from Nashville and other friends,’ read a post on Fritz’ Facebook account on Tuesday.
‘Please understand this is a very rough time for us. Including Mike so be kind as we are trying to figure out how to cope with this. Thank you all for your love and support through the years.’
American Pickers star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60
‘This is a very tough announcement to make Frank passed away last night around 7:30 he was surrounded by myself, Mike Wolfe made a high speed to get back here from Nashville and other friends,’ read a post on Fritz’ Facebook account on Tuesday
Fritz’ former co-star and friend Mike Wolfe also confirmed his death on Tuesday.
‘It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,’ Wolfe wrote on Instagram.
‘Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.
‘Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.’
‘We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place.’
Rumors about Fritz’ death circulated on social media earlier this year, with his friend denying the claims.
His co-star Mike Wolfe confirmed his death on Tuesday. They are pictured in 2015
‘I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place,’ said Wolfe. They are seen in 2015
A friend of Fritz’ told The U.S. Sun that he had been left in a wheelchair following the 2022 stroke.
A conservatorship request was filed for Fritz weeks after the stroke, with court documents claiming ‘Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.’
MidWestOne Bank was appointed Fritz’ conservator and his friend Chris Davis as his guardian.
Fritz’ co-star Danielle Colby also posed a tribute for the late star.
‘Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,’ Colby wrote.
‘Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more. Rest in Peace Road Dog.’
Fritz appeared on the show alongside Wolfe between 2010 and 2020
The former co-stars were estranged for years, with Fritz claiming Wolfe did not check up on him after he left the shot. However, the two reconciled last year. They are seen in an episode of American Pickers
American Pickers debuted on History Channel in 2010, following Fritz, Wolfe, and their co-worker, Danielle Colby-Cushman, who ran an antique store in Iowa.
Fritz and Wolfe traveled the country in search of all sorts of collectibles from collectors of all kind.
It was revealed in June 2021 that Fritz was leaving the show, as a culmination of many health problems, including a back surgery and suffering from Crohn’s Disease.
At the time, Wolfe released a statement saying Fritz, ‘is like a brother to me,’ adding he would, ‘pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.’
Fritz, however, painted a much different picture in an interview with The Sun.
‘Mike’s statement was bulls***, somebody wrote it out for him. We never were friends in grade school. I don’t believe in ten years he’s said five nice things to me, you know? Unless he was cutting somebody else down and we were both laughing,’ Fritz said.
The former co-stars were estranged for years, with Fritz claiming Wolfe did not check up on him after he left the shot.
However, the two reconciled last year.
Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on the show, also honored his memory following his death.
He wrote: ‘It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
‘You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.
‘Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you’re in a better place… Love you buddy hope you catch the big one until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady.’
The History Channel also released a statement mourning Fritz.
‘We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024,’ the network said.
‘Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade. We will always remember “the bearded charmer” and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes.
‘Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.’
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