Frank Fritz has tragically passed away at the age of 60.
Frank Fritz has tragically died at the age of 60. Credit: Taylor Hill / Getty
News of the American Pickers star’s death was shared by his friend and co-star Mike Wolfe in an emotional tribute on Instagram on Tuesday (October 1).
Sharing a photo of the two of them, Wolfe penned: “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.”
“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,” Wolfe continued in the emotional tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Wolfe added: “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.
“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.”
“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 his message to fans. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”
Fritz with his co-star Wolfe. Credit: Taylor Hill / Getty
Fritz’s death comes after he suffered a devastating stroke back in July 2022, per The Sun. The heartbreaking incident left the reality TV star in and out of the hospital, as he battled bouts of pneumonia and rigorous rehabilitation over the last two years.
The Sun adds that fellow co-star Danielle Colby also shared a series of photos with her late friend to pay tribute, writing in the caption: “Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time.
“Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.
“Rest in Peace Road Dog.”
And Robbie Wolfe – who served as Fritz replacement on American Pickers – also wrote on social media: “It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
“You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and Family he was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.”
In American Pickers, Fritz and Wolfe gained a following as the lovable Midwestern pickers who would often be seen searching for rare artifacts as they turned somebody else’s trash into treasure.
The show was immensely popular with its fanbase, with many viewers taking to social media to also pay tribute to Fritz.
“Main reason I watched that show was for, Frank. When he left, I didn’t really watch it that much. Something was missing without, Frank. RIP Frank,” one fan wrote. “You were what I call, Good People.”
Another added: “Dang I used to watch this show all the time! They did an episode in my hometown. RIP.”
Our thoughts go out to Fritz’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
Featured image credit: Taylor Hill / Getty