Frank Fritz, ex-co-host of the History Channel series “American Pickers,” has died. He was 60.
His former co-host, Mike Wolfe, announced his death via Instagram Tuesday, writing, “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.”
“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 reality star shared.
“The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Fritz and Wolfe, 60, originally from the Midwest, traveled across America in search of rare artifacts and national treasures that they could then sell in their antique shops or make part of their own collections.
“American Pickers” first premiered in 2010 and shot for 25 seasons. However, Fritz’s last episode aired on March 2020.
He did not return to filming after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted as he had been battling Crohn’s disease and recovering from back surgery.
Fritz then confessed to the Sun in 2021 that the History Channel actually fired him after he went to rehab for alcoholism.
He also shared that he and Wolfe had grown estranged due to the latter reportedly not asking him about his back surgery.
However, that relationship seemingly mended in recent years.
“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 reflected in his post, which featured a photo of him and Fritz.
“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,” he continued.
“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.” An official cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Fans flooded the comments with their condolences, empathizing how hard his pal’s death must have affected Wolfe, especially since they were “friends since childhood.”
“I’ve watch so many episodes with you both and could tell the love you have for each other and what you did together for a living,” one person wrote. “Thank you for sharing it with us.”
In July 2022, Fritz suffered a devastating stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital.
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He was reportedly “sprawled out on the floor” and unable to speak when medics were called.
After Fritz’s hospitalization, Wolfe spoke out on his pal’s health matters, saying, “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks [sic] 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.”
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