“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz died over the weekend, two years after he suffered a stroke.
The 60-year-old reality star’s death was confirmed Monday by co-host Mike Wolfe, who also created the History Channel series, which debuted in 2010. Fritz’s cause of death was not disclosed.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I’ve known Frank for more then [sic] half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself. 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. … I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home.”
Fritz left “American Pickers” in July 2021 amid health issues, including Crohn’s disease and back surgery, as well as tensions with Wolfe. Fritz at the time was hurt by Wolfe allegedly not checking in on him following the surgery, TMZ reported.
Wolfe revealed in July 2022 that Fritz was hospitalized following a stroke, at which point he called on followers to “keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
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Fritz’s death comes on the heels of news that he had been placed under a temporary guardianship. A petition filed this August said that the stroke had “so impaired” his “decision-making capacity” regarding his safety, finances and well-being.
“We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and ‘American Pickers’ family, Frank Fritz, has passed away,” the network and Cineflix Productions, which produces the series, said in a statement shared with the Daily News. “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.”
Bill Stankey, a representative for Fritz, said in a statement to the Daily News: “Frank Fritz was an exceptional human being. He loved life, he cared about people, he always had a kind word to say and he knew more about Americana and antiques than anyone I ever met. He was the anchor of ‘American Pickers.’ He will be missed by his friends, family and fan[s].”