“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz died Sept. 30 at the age of 60.
Longtime friend and costar Mike Wolfe confirmed the tragic news Tuesday on Instagram. “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote in his statement. “I’ve know [sic] Frank for more then [sic] 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,” he said as he paid tribute to Fritz.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 30: Television personality Frank Fritz leaves the “Today Show” taping at the NBC Rockefeller Center Studios on April 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/GC Images) Getty Images
Wolfe recalled fond memories of special moments he had shared with Fritz over the course of their friendship in the heartfelt statement.
“The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,” he wrote.
“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.”
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: “American pickers” Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz attend the grand opening of the History Pop Shop at History Pop Shop on December 6, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic) Getty Images
He signed off with a personal, emotional message.
“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 your in a better place,” Wolfe said.
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 30: TV personality Frank Fritz attends the 2015 A+E Network Upfront at Park Avenue Armory on April 30, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/WireImage) Getty Images
Fritz had suffered from a variety of medical issues, and suffered a stroke in 2022. (RELATED: Actor John Ashton From ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ And ‘M*A*S*H’ Dies At Age 76)
Wolfe did not share any details regarding Fritz’ cause of death, or the circumstances that may have contributed to his tragic passing.
