The tragic circumstances surrounding the demise of American Pickers' beloved star, Frank Fritz, have finally come to light. Unveiled by TMZ, his death certificate reveals that he succumbed to "late sequela of cerebral infarction," a solemn testament to a battle fought against stroke. The root cause of this devastating event stems from cerebral vascular disease, a formidable foe that ultimately claimed him. Moreover, Fritz grappled with aortic stenosis, a chronic malady that obstructed the flow of life-giving blood throughout his body, further complicating his journey.
Mike Wolfe, Fritz's longtime co-host and cherished friend, broke the heartbreaking news on Instagram on October 1st, acknowledging that his dear companion peacefully passed away on September 30th, at the age of 60. Wolfe's emotional tribute captivated hearts as he reminisced, "Frank has been a part of my life for more than half its span, and what viewers saw on screen mirrored the man I knew off-camera: a dreamer, equally sensitive and hilarious. Frank's authenticity transcended the camera's lens, touching countless hearts simply by being himself. Who would've imagined we'd embark on these adventures, captivating millions from the cockpit of our white cargo van?"
Their partnership on American Pickers saw them traverse the nation, hunting for hidden treasures amidst barns, garages, and junkyards, until Fritz's final episode aired in March 2020. Though their bond faced strains, as Fritz candidly shared with The Sun in 2021, the two ultimately reconciled, and Wolfe openly disclosed his friend's 2022 stroke on Instagram.
Wolfe's Instagram post on October 1st is a poignant ode to their unforgettable times, recalling, "Before the show's cameras rolled, we'd embark on spontaneous adventures, chasing the thrill of discovery without a fixed destination. Our countless journeys together forged an unbreakable bond, and I'm forever grateful to have been by his side during his final journey home. My heart overflows with love for you, buddy. You'll be dearly missed, but I know you're in a better place now."
Bill Stankey, Fritz's manager, echoed these sentiments in a statement to PEOPLE, hailing him as an "exceptional human being." Stankey fondly remembered, "Frank cherished life, cherished people, and always had a kind word to share. His profound knowledge of Americana and antiques was unparalleled. He was the bedrock of American Pickers, and his absence will be deeply felt by his loved ones, including his friends, family, and adoring fans."
