Kaylah Walton
Frank Fritz, a notable figure from the show American Pickers, has died at the age of 60. He left a lasting mark through his humor and passion for collecting antiques. Fritz exited the beloved History Channel series in 2021 due to ongoing health challenges.
Though he had suffered a stroke in 2022, the specific reason for his passing is still uncertain. His family and close friends reported that he died on Tuesday evening, surrounded by his loved ones.
In a touching post on Facebook, Fritz’s family revealed that his longtime colleague, Mike Wolfe, hurried back from Nashville to be with him in his final moments.
Wolfe expressed his sorrow on Instagram, stating, “With a heavy heart, I share that Frank passed away last night,” while also recalling their shared experiences on their travels during American Pickers.
Frank Fritz’s Health and Impact
Fritz’s health significantly declined after he left American Pickers. After he experienced a major stroke in 2022, he became wheelchair-bound, necessitating the establishment of a conservatorship to oversee his affairs.
Judicial records indicated that Fritz could no longer ensure his own safety or meet his basic everyday needs. His friend Chris Davis was assigned as his guardian, and MidWestOne Bank was designated as his conservator.
As an original cast member of American Pickers, Fritz worked alongside Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby. The series, which debuted in 2010, documented their journeys across the United States seeking out valuable antiques and unique collectibles.
Fritz’s enthusiasm for discovering rare treasures earned him a special place in viewers’ hearts. Even after a public dispute with Wolfe, they managed to reconcile before his passing.
Numerous tributes from friends and colleagues have surfaced, including a heartfelt comment from Danielle Colby, who remarked, “Frank, your contagious laughter will be missed… You will be remembered for so many reasons.”
Robbie Wolfe, who took Fritz’s place on American Pickers, also paid tribute to him, reminiscing about their friendship and joint fishing excursions.
Frank Fritz will be cherished for his adventurous nature, vivacious spirit, and the remarkable influence he had on American Pickers.
