Former American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s cause of death has been disclosed, almost a fortnight after his passing at the age of 60. Fritz, who co-hosted the well-liked History Channel series for several years before stepping back in March 2020 following back surgery, is said to have succumbed to “late sequelae of cerebral infarction” – a stroke.
As per TMZ, his death certificate reveals that the stroke was a consequence of cerebral vascular disease. Additionally, Fritz was reported to have aortic stenosis, a chronic condition that hampers blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body, which also played a role in his demise. The reality TV personality’s death on September 30 followed two years after he experienced a debilitating stroke in 2022 and was placed under temporary guardianship.
The news of his death was confirmed by his former co-star Mike Wolfe in an Instagram post shared on October 1. Wolfe expressed heartfelt sentiments, reminiscing about his long-time friendship with Fritz and their shared adventures on and off-screen. Fritz, originally from Davenport, Iowa, gained fame for co-fronting American Pickers, a reality show centered on the duo’s quest for unique collectibles across the United States to sell in their antique shops in Iowa and Tennessee.
Despite expressing his eagerness to return to the show, Fritz stepped away in March 2020 due to a back procedure. In July 2021, it was revealed that he had been replaced by Wolfe’s brother Rob. The History Channel and American Pickers production company Cineflix Production paid tribute to Fritz, acknowledging his decade-long contribution to the show and his enthusiasm for vintage motorcycles and bikes.
In a joint statement, they noted, “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.” Fritz’s passing has undoubtedly left a void in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era for American Pickers.