Fans of American Pickers are in mourning today after the death of Frank Fritz, who passed away on Monday two years after he suffered a stroke. He was 60 years-old.
Fritz Passes Away
Fritz’s death was confirmed by his former co-host and friend Mike Wolfe in an emotional Instagram post.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe, 60, began his tribute. “I’ve know Frank for more then 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,” he continued. “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.”
Wolfe ended his post by saying his final goodbye to his buddy Fritz.
“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,” Wolfe concluded. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place.”
Fritz’s Death
Fritz’s death was also confirmed on his Facebook page.
“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,” the post read.
“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,” it added. “Thank you all for your love and support through the years.”
American Pickers premiered on The History Channel back in 2010. It featured Wolfe and Fritz traveling around the country and restoring relics to their former glory.
Wolfe and Fritz’s friendship had its ups and downs over the years. When Fritz left American Pickers in 2021 to focus on his health, he told The Sun that he hadn’t talked to Wolfe in two years. The next year, in 2022, Fritz suffered from a stroke that left him requiring “long-term nursing care” for the rest of his life.
Related: Rumors Swirl of Death of Former ‘American Pickers’ Star Frank Fritz – His Friend Says Not So Fast!
Fritz And Wolfe Reconnected
Thankfully, by the time the stroke happened, Wolfe and Fritz had reconnected.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram at the time. “Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
Back in August, rumors swirled that Fritz had died, but those close to him quickly shut this down. Sadly, it appears that the latest reports about his passing are very true indeed.
Please join us in saying a prayer for Fritz’s family and friends during this tragic time.
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