Exploring the Health Issues and Addictions of Frank Fritz, American Pickers Star, Who Passed Away at 60

Former American Pickers star Frank Fritz has passed away at the age of 60. His co-host from the popular History Channel series, Mike Wolfe, shared the news on Instagram on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, stating:

“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.”

Fritz and Wolfe journeyed across America in search of rare antiques and national treasures in American Pickers, a series that debuted in 2010 and ran for 25 seasons. Wolfe fondly reminisced about his friendship with Fritz on social media, expressing:

“I’ve known 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.”

Wolfe also reflected on their shared passion for adventure and their “countless trips”dedicated to uncovering “something interesting and historic.”While he did not specify the cause of Frank Fritz’s death, it is known that Fritz suffered a stroke two years ago and had undergone back surgery several years prior.

Frank Fritz’s Struggles with Alcoholism and Health Issues

Frank Fritz openly discussed his battle with alcohol addiction during his peak years on American Pickers in an interview with The Sun in July 2021. He disclosed that he checked himself into The Abbey Center, a treatment facility in Iowa, for 77 days to address his alcohol problems.

Fritz shared positive memories from his time in rehab, stating that he received valuable information and dedicated one-on-one time, mentioning that he had a “great time”while seeking treatment. In that interview, he revealed he had achieved 11 months of sobriety. At that time, he was on a brief hiatus from the reality series.

His last appearance on the show was in March 2020, as he planned to return after recovering from back surgery, which required 185 stitches and the insertion of two rods. Despite insisting he was in good shape and physically capable, he ultimately never returned to the series.

In the summer of 2022, Frank Fritz suffered a debilitating stroke that left him wheelchair-bound. The New York Post reported that he was rushed to the hospital after a friend found him unresponsive on the floor of his Iowa home. Mike Wolfe also provided updates on Instagram, informing followers that Fritz was under medical care.

After the stroke, the reality star was transferred to an assisted living facility to aid his recovery through physical therapy. Reports indicated that he “lost verbal and mobile”abilities following the incident. On August 18, his long-time friend, Chris Davis, filed for an emergency conservatorship before Fritz was set to be discharged from the nursing facility.

Court documents obtained by The Sun revealed that Frank Fritz’s decision-making capabilities were reportedly “so impaired,”prompting legal requests for a friend to be appointed as his guardian to manage both his financial and personal affairs.

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