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Frank Fritz was famous for his role alongside Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby in the reality television series American Pickers. Since 2010, the late 60-year-old had traveled the country in search of gold and other artifacts. However, Frank died on September 30, 2024, reportedly from health complications.
Mike paid tribute to his longtime friend and late co-star in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“I’ve know Frank for more [than] 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,” Mike wrote. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself. 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?”
Mike also reminisced how before they started American Pickers, he and Frank “would take off together to places [they] 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,” Mike concluded, before adding, “I love you, buddy and will miss you so much. I know [you’re] in a better place.”
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 30: Frank Fritz attends A+E Network’s 2015 Upfront at Park Avenue Armory on April 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
How Did Frank Fritz Die?
According to multiple outlets, Fritz died from complications of a stroke while in hospice. It’s still unclear why Frank was in hospice care up until his death.
Was Frank Fritz Sick Before His Death?
This wasn’t the first time that Frank suffered a stroke. In a 2022 Instagram post, Mike revealed that his co-star had a stroke and was hospitalized.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on,” Mike wrote at the time. “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 [sic]. Now is the time to pray for my friend. Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.”
One year prior, Frank spoke with The U.S. Sun about battling alcoholism and managing Crohn’s disease. At the time, the reality TV personality was focusing on weight management, and he stopped drinking.
“The weight loss is me watching what I’m eating so I can keep my disease under control the best I can,” he told the outlet. “I’m just eating healthy. After a while I started watching what I’m doing and I’m doing a little bit more walking. I keep pretty busy around here too, taking care of the grass and getting rid of the weeds. … Not drinking helps with weight loss because when you drink you eat. I’m not dieting. I was drinking a little bit too, but that didn’t work out either.”
What Is Crohn’s Disease?
According to Cleveland Clinic, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes the digestive tract to become swollen.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
