The world of “American Pickers” has lost one of its beloved stars, Frank Fritz, who passed away on September 30, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. His longtime friend and co-star, Mike Wolfe, announced Fritz’s death on Instagram on October 1, 2024. Wolfe shared the sad news with fans, marking the end of an era for the duo whose adventures were followed by millions of viewers.
Wolfe, who had known Fritz for more than half of his life, expressed his profound sorrow in his social media post. He described Fritz as someone who had a unique ability to connect with people simply by being himself. Wolfe reflected on their many years of friendship, their road trips together, and how grateful he was to be with Fritz in his final moments. In his emotional tribute, Wolfe wrote, “I love you, buddy, and will miss you so much. I know you’re in a better place.”
Frank Fritz’s death was also confirmed by Annette Oberlander Willows, a close friend and the administrator of the “Frank Fritz Friends” Facebook group. Willows shared that Fritz passed away around 7:30 p.m., and she revealed that Wolfe had rushed from Nashville to be by his side. In her post, she expressed the difficulty of the loss and requested kindness and support during this challenging time.
Fritz last appeared on “American Pickers” in March 2020, after nearly a decade of being a fan favorite. His quirky personality and deep passion for hunting valuable antiques endeared him to many. Alongside Wolfe, he traveled the country in search of hidden treasures, and their chemistry on the History Channel show made them a beloved duo.
In 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke, which led Wolfe to publicly ask fans to keep his friend in their thoughts. At that time, Wolfe addressed speculation about their friendship, acknowledging the concerns surrounding Fritz’s absence from the show but reaffirming his affection and concern for his co-star. “Frank, I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you, buddy,” Wolfe had shared.
Frank Fritz’s passing leaves a void for both “American Pickers” fans and those who knew him personally. His contributions to the world of antiques, and the joy he brought to viewers, will always be remembered. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans who mourn this great loss.
