Trigger warning: This article mentions death.
American Pickers star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60 after suffering a stroke. On Tuesday, October 1, his former co-star and friend Mike Wolfe confirmed the news by sharing a tribute post on Instagram. “It is with a broken heart that I share with you all that Frank passed away last night,” she captioned her post.
Wolfe, who knew Fritz for “more than half” of his life, described the reality star as a “dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny” and that he was both on- and off-screen. Was the same. “Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many people just by being himself,” Wolfe said.
The pair became a household name with their reality show American Pickers, in which they (including Danielle Colby-Cushman) recycled and refurbished abandoned junk and vehicles. “Who would have ever dreamed that we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures?” Wolfe said of his show.
Before the show, they would set off to places without any destination in mind, with a hunger and passion to find “something interesting and historic”. Having logged many miles on his countless trips, Wolfe expressed his gratitude for the experience and for being with Fritz at all times. “I love you friend and will miss you so much, I know you’re in a better place,” he wrote.
The late reality star’s manager, Bill Stankey, expressed his condolences in a statement to People, calling her “an extraordinary human being” who loved life and cared about people. Stankey’s statement concluded, “He was the anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.”
Although Wolfe and Fritz were longtime friends, their friendship had its ups and downs. However, they reunite in 2022 after suffering a severe stroke. Wolfe was the one who shared the news about her former co-star’s health.
“There have been a lot of opinions regarding Frank and I’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend,” he said at the time and urged people to keep him in their prayers.
