Frank Fritz‘s death broke reality TV fans’ earlier this week. The Iowa native died while in hospice care. He was 60 years old, according to multiple outlets. Frank’s TV co-star and long-time friend Mike Wolfe shared the news via Instagram, revealing when Frank died.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Mike wrote in a heartfelt caption. “I’ve know Frank for more [than] 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.”
Mike continued in his post, “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.”
Frank’s friend concluded his caption by writing, “I love you, buddy and will miss you so much. I know you’re in a better place.”
Learn more about Frank’s life, career and when he died, below.
Who Was Frank Fritz?
Frank was known as one of the stars of American Pickers, a reality show that he co-hosted with Mike. The series, which premiered in 2010, followed the duo as they traveled around the country to find rare artifacts and treasures.
When Did Frank Fritz Die?
Frank died on September 30, 2024. Mike shared his tribute to Frank on October 1.
Frank Fritz’s Cause of Death
According to Frank’s manager, Bill Stankey, his cause of death was from complications of a stroke, per Fox News. The late TV star also suffered from Crohn’s disease, a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.