'American Pickers' Star Frank Fritz Dies with Longtime Friend by His Side: First Details

The beloved star of "American Pickers" passed away on September 30, 2024, surrounded by those who loved him the most.

On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Mike Wolfe, longtime friend and co-star of Frank Fritz, announced his death on Instagram. He shared that Fritz passed away the previous night, marking the end of a journey filled with friendship and shared adventures. The news will surely resonate with "American Pickers" fans, who remember Fritz as a beloved figure from the show.

Wolfe, who said he had been close to Fritz for more than half his life, expressed his heartbreak in his social media post. He described Fritz as a dreamer who touched the hearts of many, both on and off the screen.

"Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself," Wolfe wrote. "[...] 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 your [sic] in a better place."

Fritz's death was also confirmed by Annette Oberlander Willows, a close friend and administrator of the Facebook group, Frank Fritz Friends. She shared the news that the reality show star passed away at around 7:30 pm and that Wolfe had rushed from Nashville to be with Fritz in his final moments.

In her heartfelt post, she expressed the difficulty of the situation, asking for kindness and support as they cope with the loss.

As news of Fritz's passing spread, fans and friends took to social media. Oliver Starr, another admin from the Facebook group Frank Fritz Friends provided more information about the reality star's condition leading to his death.

"[Frank] fought a valiant battle the last two years with many ups and downs but ultimately the combination of the severe stroke and his Crohn's disease was just too much for his body to bear. We have lost a truly genuine person who loved people and gave us much joy," he wrote.

Under Annette's post, a friend shared their personal memories, "I'm so very sad and shaken to hear he passed. I will always remember him as the first guy in high school that I knew who had a motorcycle. [...] Thank you, Annette, for always being honest with all of us and being there for him. He will be missed."

Another member of the group wrote, "I'll always remember the good times with Frank playing Risk at my house. Driving around in his Nova. Being the class clown in our 12th grade English class."

Furthermore, our AmoReaders had much to say about Fritz's passing. One netizen wrote, "He had so much knowledge of Antiques.. He will be missed. I'm sure with there friend ship [sic] being strained over the past few years. Mike was with him at the end, that's all that matters."

Another fan added, "The show was never the same after Frank was gone… I stopped watching it!"

The reality star had last appeared on "American Pickers" in March 2020, after nearly a decade on the show. He became a fan favorite for his quirky personality and love of antique hunting.

The series, which followed Wolfe and Fritz as they traveled across the country searching for valuable antiques, became a hit on the History Channel. Their chemistry and shared passion for discovering unique items earned them a loyal following.

In 2022, the reality star suffered a stroke, leading to a public message from Wolfe asking fans to keep Fritz in their thoughts. Wolfe acknowledged that many had speculated about the nature of their friendship due to Frank Fritz’s absence from the show, but asked fans to pray for Fritz instead.

"Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy [sic]," Wolfe added at the time. Despite rumors, Starr clarified that Wolfe visited Fritz in 2023, and the two made peace, continuing to stay in touch.

He detailed that by late December 2023, Fritz had recovered enough to go out with friends. However, in early 2024, his health deteriorated once again due to complications from the stroke and Crohn's disease. Starr noted that while updates were scarce due to Fritz's decision to keep his condition private, fans should respect his wishes.

Fritz’s passing marks the end of an era for "American Pickers" fans and those who knew him personally. His contribution to the world of antiques and the hearts of viewers will not be forgotten. Our condolences to all those who loved him.