Former 'American Pickers' Star Frank Fritz Had Several Health Issues Before His Death

As American Pickers has become one of History's biggest success stories, the show's stars have also become a much bigger deal. Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz proved for years that they were charismatic co-hosts with a deep knowledge of the history of American antiques.

Even though Frank left the show, fans kept up with him, and there was a great deal of concern when he began losing significant amounts of weight. Many thought Frank may have been sick, and indeed, that seemed to be the case before his death in late 2024.

When Frank first returned to American Pickers looking much thinner in Season 9, fans began to worry that there was something wrong with him. The buzz around Frank's initial weight loss ultimately became so loud that he felt the need to address it and explain why he was now slimmer than he'd been during earlier seasons. "A lot of you have been wondering about my health and my weight loss," Frank wrote in 2013.

"I have an illness called Crohn’s [disease], which at times is difficult to deal with," Frank continued.

Frank battled Crohn's disease for more than 30 years, and in that time, came to deeply understand the symptoms that come with the illness. The symptoms of Crohn's include diarrhea, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and bloody stool.

With Frank's disappearance from the show mid-season, fans speculated his Crohn's disease returned with a vengeance. After revealing he lost a shocking 65 pounds, Frank told The Sun, "The weight loss is me watching what I’m eating so I can keep my disease under control the best I can. I’m just eating healthy."

Frank added, "Not drinking helps with the weight loss because when you drink, you eat. I’m not dieting." He also explained that his sobriety helped his journey to good health. Previously, Frank admitted he was struggling with sobriety as a result of his split with ex-fiancée Diann Bankson.

Mike shared the news of Frank's hospitalization on Instagram on July 21, 2022. After briefly addressing their falling out, Mike said, "Now is the time to pray for my friend," adding, "Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts."

As of January 2024, Frank was residing in an assisted living facility and working on regaining his mobility and speech, per a report in The U.S. Sun. His death was announced on social media by his co-host and longtime friend Mike Wolfe.

"We've been on countless trips and shared so many miles," Mike's statement reads, "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."