American Pickers Star Frank Fritz's Cause of Death Revealed
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The reality star died on Sept. 30 at age 60
By JP Mangalindan
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Frank Fritz
Frank Fritz in New York City in May 2012. Photo: Michael N. Todaro/FilmMagic
American Pickers star Frank Fritz’s cause of death has been revealed.
According to his death certificate, obtained by TMZ, Fritz died from "late sequela of cerebral infarction," which means he suffered from a stroke. According to the outlet, the stroke was a result of cerebral vascular disease.
It was also reported that Fritz suffered from aortic stenosis, which is a chronic condition that makes blood flow throughout the body difficult. Both aortic stenosis and cerebral vascular disease were contributing factors in his death.
Fritz's former co-host and friend Mike Wolfe confirmed Fritz’s death on Instagram on Tuesday, Oct. 1, sharing that Fritz died on Monday, Sept. 30 at age 60.
Inside American Pickers' Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe's Decades-Long Friendship: From Fallout to Reconciliation
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on American Pickers
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on 'American Pickers.'. A+E Networks
"I’ve know 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,” Wolfe wrote in a caption alongside a photo of the two. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself. 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.”
Wolfe starred with Fritz on American Pickers as they traveled across the country, scouring for hidden gems in barns, garages and junkyards until Fritz's final episode aired in March 2020. (Fritz's exit from the show was officially confirmed in July 2021 to Entertainment Weekly.)
Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz on American Pickers
Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe on 'American Pickers.'. A+E Networks
While Fritz and Wolfe had a strained relationship at times, which Fritz revealed to The Sun in 2021, the two reconciled, with Wolfe disclosing on Instagram that his friend had suffered a stroke in 2022.
In his Instagram post on Oct. 1, Wolfe continued to reminisce on the good times they shared.
"Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic,” he added. "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 I know your [sic] in a better place."
Fritz’s manager Bill Stankey also released a statement to PEOPLE on Oct. 1 describing the reality star as an “exceptional human being.”
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“He loved life, he cared about people, he always had a kind word to say and he knew more about Americana and antiques than anyone I ever met,” Stankey said. “He was the anchor of American Pickers. He will be missed by his friends, family and fans.”
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