Last week, we reported that the American Pickers star Frank Fritz had died at the age of 60 two years after suffering from a stroke. Now, Fritz’s longtime American Pickers co-star Mike Wolfe has reemerged for the first time since his passing.
Wolfe Reemerges After Fritz’s Death
On Thursday, Wolfe was seen out in LeClaire, Iowa. There, he was photographed moving furniture from his white van. At the time, Wolfe was wearing a navy T-shirt with jeans, brown boots and sunglasses.
The next day, Wolfe took to his Instagram Story to share videos of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Getting back into the swing of things is just about all you can do after a devastating tragedy.
Wolfe was by Fritz’s side when he died on September 30. They had known each other for over forty years, and they spent ten years starring together on American Pickers. Afterwards, Wolfe took to Instagram to pay tribute to his good friend.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote. “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.”
Full Story: ‘American Pickers’ Star Frank Fritz Dead At 60 Two Years After Suffering From A Stroke
‘I Love You Buddy’
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.”
A rep for Fritz told TMZ that he died from the effects of the stroke he had in 2022. Fritz also had Crohn’s disease for decades. The rep went on to say that Fritz was in a Quad Cities hospice facility when he died. He was surrounded by his friends, including Wolfe.
Full Story: ‘American Pickers’ Star Mike Wolfe Was By Frank Fritz’s Side When He Passed Away
American Pickers Honors Fritz
Fritz and Wolfe began starring on American Pickers on The History Channel back in 2010. Fritz left the show in 2021 to focus on his health.
“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 History Channel and American Pickers producers Cineflix Production said in a statement. “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,” they added. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Please join us in saying a prayer for Wolfe and Fritz’s other loved ones during this difficult time.