American Pickers star Frank Fritz dies at 60 following stroke and health battles

Frank Fritz, one of the stars of the popular US reality show American Pickers, has passed away at the age of 60, his co-star Mike Wolfe confirmed in a heartbreaking statement

Devotees of the hit series American Pickers are in mourning after the death of beloved co-star Frank Fritz at the age of 60, following a severe stroke he suffered in 2022. Mike Wolfe, the show's leading man, expressed his sorrow on Instagram on Tuesday, October 1, with a heartfelt announcement: "It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night."

In his poignant homage, Wolfe, aged 60, reflected on their long-standing bond: "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."

He added: "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. 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. 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 you're in a better place."

Danielle Colby, a co-star on American Pickers, expressed her sorrow with a touching message: "Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time. Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more. Rest in Peace Road Dog."

Frank was a key figure on American Pickers since its start in 2010 until he left the show in 2020. Robbie Wolfe, who took over from Frank, shared his feelings online: "It's with a heavy heart I'm sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night. You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed. Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you're in a better place... Love you buddy hope you catch the big one until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady.", reports the Mirror.

The popular reality show, known as The Pickers outside the United States, premiered on January 18, 2010, on the History Channel, featuring hosts Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they traveled the country searching for valuable antique treasures to add to their collection or sell in their shops.

Frank's last stint on the show was in March 2020; he stepped away to recover from a major back surgery, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods inserted into his spine. During his recuperation, Frank dropped 65 pounds and chose to lead a healthier life by cutting out alcohol.

He had voiced his hopes to return to the show after his break but his exit was confirmed by Mike in 2021 who said, "I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey."

Frank had been facing health challenges leading up to his death, including suffering a stroke at his Iowa home in July 2022 that resulted in multiple hospital stays and rehab sessions, as well as dealing with pneumonia. There had been reports suggesting Frank was recovering and "improving daily".

A source close to the late television personality told The Sun earlier this year, "You're never 100 percent after a stroke, but he's fine. He's aware of what's going on," and shared, "If he were sitting here right now, you could sit and talk to him. He's the same old Frank. He can walk, but he's always going to need the wheelchair because he can't walk long distances. Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side."

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The ex-History Channel celebrity was assigned a guardian and conservator as it was deemed "necessary" to prevent "avoid immediate harm to him" following his stroke in 2022. Rumours of Frank's death started circulating in August this year, but a source close to the situation dismissed these claims.

"It's all a bunch of bull. Don't know where it came from," they stated, adding that Frank had been taking pleasure in watching the Paris Olympics coverage.

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