Frank Fritz, who drove around the US looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show American Pickers, has died.
He died Monday night at a hospice facility. in Davenport, Iowa, said Annette Oberlander, a longtime friend. She said he was 60.
She said she was at his bedside, as was Mike Wolfe, who starred with Fritz for more than a decade on the History Channel program.
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“The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,” Wolfe said in an Instagram post mourning the loss of his friend.
Oberlander said Fritz had a stroke in 2022 and never fully recovered. She said a celebration of life, which will include a motorcycle run, will likely happen in the spring.
“He was a fierce friend,” Oberlander said.
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“He leaves behind an incredible amount of friendships because that’s what was most important to him. A very large amount of friendships. Close friendships.”
In his tribute post, Wolfe said he would miss his former co-host “so much” and said his heart is “broken”.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” he wrote.
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“I’ve known 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.”
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Speaking about the show, he said: “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.”
He sweetly added: “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 your in a better place.”
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