American Pickers co-host Frank Fritz has died, aged 60.
His passing was shared on social media by his friend and co-host Mike Wolfe, who appeared on the History Channel show with Fritz for 10 years. A cause of death is yet to be announced.
The show saw the duo, travel across the United States and “scour the country’s junkyards, basements and barns for hidden gems”.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night (September 30),” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I’ve known Frank for more then 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. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
He continued: “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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you’re in a better place.”
Fritz’s management team Westport Entertainment also offered their condolences as did the social media account of American Pickers.
“Frank Fritz was a an exceptional human being,” wrote Bill Stankey via Variety. “He loved life, he cared about people, he always had a kind word to say and he knew more about Americana and antiques than anyone I ever met. He was the anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.”
We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. pic.twitter.com/2kKSdgVqdS
— American Pickers (@americanpickers) October 1, 2024
The show launched on the History Channel in January 2010, and has since aired for 25 seasons.
Jack White famously appeared on the show twice, once in 2012 and last year in an episode which showed him refurbishing a mobile recording truck.
Fritz himself also lent his voice to an episode of the Seth MacFarlane’s American Dad in 2017.
He stepped back from the History Channel show in March 2020 after he underwent back surgery. However, despite being open about his desire to return to the show, it was revealed in July 2021 that he had been replaced by Wolfe’s brother Mike.
Fritz suffered a stroke in the summer a year later.
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