Frank Fritz, the beloved star of American Pickers, has sadly passed away at the age of 60. The news was announced by his long-time co-star, Mike Wolfe, who shared his heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his sorrow over the loss of his friend and partner from over 300 episodes of the popular show. "It’s with a broken heart I share... Frank passed away last night," Wolfe wrote, reflecting on their many adventures and the deep bond they shared.
Fritz’s passing followed years of health struggles. Reports suggest he experienced several medical issues, culminating in his tragic death. According to TMZ, the official cause was listed as "late sequela of cerebral infarction," indicating he died from complications related to a stroke. This stroke was reportedly linked to cerebral vascular disease, which affects the blood vessels and the flow of blood within the brain. Prior to his death, Fritz battled various health challenges, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and aortic stenosis, conditions known to pose risks to overall health and longevity.
Fritz had undergone significant back surgery back in March 2020, which left him with 185 stitches and two rods placed in his spine. This surgery was part of his efforts to address chronic pain. His struggles were compounded by long-term battles with Crohn's disease and alcohol dependency. He had candidly discussed entering rehab for alcohol issues, where he spent 77 days recovering.
Perhaps one of the most difficult moments came when Fritz suffered a severe stroke at his home in Iowa two years before his death. This stroke was so impactful it impaired his ability to make decisions—leading to MidWestOne Bank being legally appointed as his conservator and his friend Chris Davis taking on the role of guardian. His close friend, Jerry Gendreau, later shared how Fritz grew increasingly frustrated with his inability to recover fully from the stroke, describing him as “totally bedridden” and devoid of the will to live at times. “I think Frank could’ve lived longer if the will to live would’ve been there,” Gendreau remarked, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll the health setbacks had on Fritz.
At the time of his passing on October 1, he was surrounded by his family and friends, including Mike Wolfe, at the Quad Cities hospice facility. Wolfe continued to honor Fritz after his death, reminiscing about their journeys together and how they turned the simple act of picking through antiques and curiosities across America “into something special” for viewers. The duo traveled extensively, discovering hidden treasures and sharing their love for history and collectibles with fans. “Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van...?” Wolfe penned. He expressed gratitude for having had the chance to stand by his friend’s side until the very end, saying, “I feel blessed to have been there when he took one last trip home.”
The impact of Fritz's death raises poignant questions about the fragility of life and the hidden struggles many face behind the scenes. His illness, particularly the stroke, serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change and the importance of support during times of adversity. Wolfe’s emotional tribute not only honors Fritz’s legacy on American Pickers but also highlights the strength of camaraderie they built over years of shared experiences.
Fritz's passing has left the American Pickers community and fans heartbroken, with many taking to social media to share their memories and condolences. Wolfe, deeply affected by his friend's departure, concluded his tribute with love, stating: “I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you’re in a good place.” The entire American Pickers family mourns this monumental loss, reflecting on the joy and warmth Fritz spread far and wide.