Heartbreaking Loss!!! Remembering Frank Fritz, star of “American Pickers,” dies at 60

Frank Fritz, the affable treasure hunter from History Channel’s American Pickers, has died at 60 — his longtime friend says he passed away Monday night at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa. Annette Oberlander, who knew Fritz for years and was at his bedside, said some outlets have reported the wrong age; she confirmed he was 60.

Mike Wolfe, Fritz’s on-screen partner for more than a decade, was also at his side, Oberlander said. The History Channel program, which blended elements of Antiques Roadshow and Hoarders as the pair crisscrossed the country in search of antiques and collectibles, confirmed Fritz’s death in a social post, calling him a “beloved member” of the American Pickers family. The show noted Fritz spent years chasing the kinds of pieces that captured his attention — vintage motorcycles and bicycles among them — and described him as a “bearded charmer” on a never-ending hunt.

Wolfe paid tribute on Instagram, saying, “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.” The colleagues reportedly logged as much as 70,000 miles a year on the road while filming, searching junkyards, barns and shops for overlooked pieces of American history. Oberlander said Fritz suffered a stroke in 2022 and never fully recovered. She added that a celebration of life — expected to include a motorcycle run — will likely take place in the spring. “He was a fierce friend,” she said, noting the many close relationships he leaves behind.

Fritz worked for the show for over a decade, the show said, describing him as a”bearded charmer” on a never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. “Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will bedeeply missed,” the post said.

Oberlander, his friend, said Fritz had a stroke in 2022 and never fullyrecovered. 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. “He leaves behind an incredibleamount of friendships because that’s what was most important to him. A verylarge amount of friendships. Close friendships.”

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