'American Pickers' Star Frank Fritz Has Died at 60 Following Years of Health Struggles

Former American Pickers host Frank Fritz has died at 60 after years of struggling with his health. After he was fired from the popular History series in 2020, Frank suffered a debilitating stroke in July 2022.

His death was confirmed by American Pickers co-star Mike Wolfe. While his cause of death has not been shared, Frank had been living with Crohn's disease and underwent back surgery before his stroke two years prior to his passing.

Mike Wolfe shared the news of Frank's passing in a social media post on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. "It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night," he wrote. "I’ve known 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."

His statement 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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you're in a better place."

As of a January 2024 report in The U.S. Sun, Frank was living in an assisted living facility where he was getting physical therapy.

An insider told the outlet that while Frank regained his verbal abilities, he was still struggling with mobility.

"It’s been very difficult for him to find motivation. He found the motivation to talk, but the physical therapy he just … he’s not there yet," the insider claimed.

Another source told the outlet, however, that Frank had been "working really hard to not overdo himself and stress himself out and honor his health."

Also per The U.S. Sun, one of Frank's friends filed to be Frank's temporary guardian and conservator in August 2022, while the bank would serve as conservator over Frank's finances.

Court papers obtained by The U.S. Sun in October 2022 revealed just how the stroke impacted Frank, reading, "Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision­-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur."

The court documents also noted that "Mr. Fritz’s decision-­making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”

After Frank was fired from American Pickers, it looked like the former co-host was no longer on speaking terms with Mike Wolfe. However, when Frank was hospitalized, Mike asked his fans to set aside the past drama.

In an social media post after news broke of Frank's stroke and subsequent hospitalization, Mike reiterated that it was not the time for him to set the record straight about the rumors. Mike wrote, "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."

The two then had an emotional over Memorial Day Weekend, and it's clear that Mike values the relationship that they had. Our thoughts are with Frank's loved ones at this time.