'American Pickers' star Frank Fritz dead
FILE - "American Pickers" Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz attend the grand opening of the History Pop Shop at History Pop Shop on December 6, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic)
"American Pickers" star Frank Fritz has died, his former co-star Mike Wolfe shared on social media Tuesday morning.
The History Channel and Cineflex Productions also shared a statement with FOX News Digital confirming his death.
Wolfe said on Facebook and Instagram that he was heartbroken to share the news.
"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," Wolfe wrote, alongside a photo of the two embracing.
Wolfe did not share other details about Fitz’s death, other than to say he passed Monday night.
Fritz had a stroke in 2022, which Wolfe also shared on social media at the time.
Fritz had not been a part of "American Pickers" for some time after he was reportedly fired following a nearly two-year hiatus. The reality TV star had taken some time to recover from back surgery.
"American Pickers" follows the hosts’ journeys across the country looking for antique treasures to collect or resell. It premiered in 2010 on The History Channel.
Various others have taken turns accompanying Wolfe on the treasure-hunting road trips since Fritz’s departure from the show.
"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," The History Channel and Cineflex Productions statement read. "Frank filmed ‘American Pickers’ for over a decade. We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed."