Two years after suffering a debilitating stroke and plagued by a severe illness, “American Pickers” star Frank Fritz died at the age of 60, loved ones said.
“We have lost a truly genuine person who loved people and gave us much joy,” wrote Oliver Starr, moderator of the Frank Fritz Friends Facebook group.
The Facebook group announced Tuesday morning that the show host passed away Monday evening around 7:30 p.m. surrounded by his closest friends and his co-star Mike Wolfe, who rushed over from Nashville to say goodbye to his longtime friend.
“I’ve know [sic] 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,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram, sharing a picture of the two of them during better times.
“Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
For 11 seasons, Fritz and Wolfe co-hosted “American Pickers,” a reality TV show that follows the two on their trips through America looking for antiques and collectibles.
The show was an instant hit when it premiered in 2010 and is currently airing its 23rd season. Wolfe is the main host, and his brother Robbie and Danielle Colby, who runs the antique shop’s office in LeClaire, Iowa, are co-stars.
The last episode recorded with Fritz aired in March 2020, when he left the show to undergo back surgery. Then the pandemic hit, but Fritz would not return even after the lockdowns had been lifted.
In July 2021, the History Channel confirmed that Fritz would not return to the show, as rumors of a feud between the two hosts circulated amongst fans.
A year later, Fritz was found unresponsive in his home after experiencing a stroke. Wolfe issued a heartfelt message addressing their relationship.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on,” he wrote on social media. “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.”
Unfortunately, Fritz would never recover.
“He fought a valiant battle the last two years with many ups and downs,” Starr wrote on Facebook. Alas, “the combination of the severe stroke and his Crohn’s disease was just too much for his body to bear.”
Wolfe thanked his co-host for his company and their shared adventures.
“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.,” Wolfe wrote.
“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.”