Frank Fritz's cause of death has been confirmed following the reality TV icon's passing at the age of 60.
The American Pickers legend suffered from a range of health issues following a serious stroke in 2022. Speaking to TMZ this evening, a representative for the late star confirmed the effects of the debilitating stroke was the reason for his untimely death on Monday.
Frank was reportedly diagnosed with Crohn’s disease ahead of his death, which the outlet reported 'may have [also] played a role' in his passing. One of the late star's longtime friend's Annette Oberlander confirmed the 60-year-old died at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa.
American Pickers burst onto our screens under its original moniker The Pickers when it premiered on the History Channel on January 18, 2010. This reality TV hit gave viewers an inside look at the adventure-filled world of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they scoured America for elusive collectables and national treasures often finding themselves bartering for items that would either enhance their personal troves or be flipped for profit at their well-stocked antique stores.
Frank's last stint on the show was back in March 2020, when he took time off to recover from an intensive back surgery that left him with a whopping 185 stitches and two rods implanted in his spine. Post-surgery, Frank embarked on a transformative health journey, shedding a remarkable 65 pounds and deciding to cut alcohol out of his life. Despite having hopes of returning to the show following his recovery, Frank's exit was confirmed by his co-star Mike in 2021, who expressed: "I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey."
Before his death, Frank had faced numerous health challenges; among them, a stroke he endured at his home in Iowa in July 2022. This led to repeated hospital stays and rehabilitation periods. Additionally, he fought pneumonia amidst his health battles. Reports suggested that while Frank suffered significantly due to his health woes, there were signs of improvement with claims that he was getting better every day.
A source revealed to The Sun earlier this year insights into Frank's condition post-stroke: "You're never 100 percent after a stroke, but he's fine. He's aware of what's going on," and emphasized that "If he were sitting here right now, you could sit and talk to him. He's the same old Frank. He can walk, but he's always going to need the wheelchair because he can't walk long distances. Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side."
The ex-History Channel celebrity was assigned a guardian and conservator after his stroke in 2022, as it was deemed "necessary" to prevent "avoid immediate harm to him". Rumours of Frank's death started circulating in August this year, but a source close to the situation dismissed these claims. "It's all a bunch of bull. Don't know where it came from," they stated, adding that Frank had been enjoying watching coverage of the Paris Olympics.
Sharing the sad news of Frank's death on Instagram, American Pickers' leading man, Mike Wolfe wrote earlier today: "It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night." In his heartfelt tribute, the 60 year old reflected on their time together, expressing: "I've know 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."
Mike continued to share: "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."
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