Iowa, USA – Former American Pickers star Frank Fritz has passed away at the age of 60 as confirmed by his family. Fritz, known for his role on the popular reality show, had experienced a decline in his health following his departure from the series in 2021. The exact cause of his death remains unclear after he suffered a stroke in his Iowa home the following year.
A heartfelt message shared on Fritz’s Facebook account announced his passing, revealing that he was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death. His former co-star and friend, Mike Wolfe, also shared the sad news on social media, expressing his grief over the loss of his longtime companion.
Despite rumors of Fritz’s death spreading on social media earlier this year, it was not until recently that his passing was officially confirmed by Wolfe. The duo, who had been on numerous adventures together during the show’s run, were known for their shared passion for discovering unique and historical items across the country.
Following his stroke in 2022, Fritz was said to have been left in a wheelchair, prompting a conservatorship request to be filed on his behalf. Court documents described his decision-making capacity as severely impaired, leading to the appointment of a conservator and guardian to ensure his safety and well-being.
Fritz’s co-star Danielle Colby also paid tribute to the late star, reminiscing about his humor, love for tattoos, and moments of vulnerability. The duo, along with Wolfe, formed a close-knit team on American Pickers, which aired for over a decade on the History Channel.
Despite their estrangement in recent years, Fritz and Wolfe reconciled before the former’s passing, showcasing the strong bond that had been forged through their shared experiences on the show. The news of Fritz’s death was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and former colleagues, who remembered him for his infectious laughter and genuine personality.