Frank Fritz, best known as the co-host of "American Pickers," faced a series of health challenges in the years leading up to his death on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. His passing marked the end of an era for fans who cherished his role in the show's rise to fame. These struggles included a noticeable weight loss, a long battle with Crohn's disease, and ultimately, a debilitating stroke.
Weight Loss and Initial Concerns
Fans of "American Pickers" first began to notice Fritz's weight loss during seasons 8 and 9 of the show. His slimmer appearance sparked concern and speculation about his health. The buzz around Frank's initial weight loss ultimately became so loud that he felt the need to address it and explain why he was now slimmer than he'd been during earlier seasons. In 2013, Fritz acknowledged the concerns, revealing that he had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. "A lot of you have been wondering about my health and my weight loss," Frank wrote. "I have an illness called Crohn’s [disease], which at times is difficult to deal with."
The Impact of Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Fritz battled Crohn's disease for more than 30 years, and in that time, came to deeply understand the symptoms that come with the illness. The symptoms of Crohn's include diarrhea, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, and bloody stool. While Crohn's disease itself is not fatal, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Fritz spoke openly about the challenges of living with Crohn's disease, including the frequent and often inconvenient bowel movements it caused. "My entire crew knows about my Crohn's. They understand it when I need a break. I mean…" he said. He also expressed his hope that his experience could serve as motivation for others struggling with the condition. "I'm trying to show people that regardless of the adversities…"
In an interview with Quad-City Times, Fritz discussed the silver lining to his journey, mentioning how he hopes to use it as motivation for his peers struggling with Crohn's.
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Fritz's weight loss was, in part, a result of his efforts to manage his Crohn's disease. He told The Sun, "The weight loss is me watching what I’m eating so I can keep my disease under control the best I can. I’m just eating healthy." He also noted that sobriety had played a role in his weight loss journey. "Not drinking helps with the weight loss because when you drink, you eat. I’m not dieting." Previously, Frank admitted he was struggling with sobriety as a result of his split with ex-fiancée Diann Bankson.
Departure from "American Pickers" and Continued Health Struggles
Fritz's health issues ultimately led to his departure from "American Pickers" in 2020. His condition forced him to step away from American Pickers in 2020, with fans noticing his significant weight loss and speculating about his health. In the years following his departure, tabloids covered Fritz’s post-“Pickers” life, including a split from his former fiancée, a stint in rehab for alcohol abuse and extreme weight loss.
His former co-star Mike Wolfe told The Sun at the time, "We all do care about Frank, and we want him back on the show. I would love to talk with him again, we would absolutely love to, but he just can’t get it right." Wolfe also alleged that Fritz was "going through a lot personally with addictions" and that "it’s unfortunate that he’s made decisions that have him the way he is."
Stroke and Guardianship
In July 2022, Mike Wolfe shared the news that Fritz had suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Mike shared the news of Frank's hospitalization on Instagram on July 21, 2022. After briefly addressing their falling out, Mike said, "Now is the time to pray for my friend," adding, "Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital.
Following the stroke, Fritz was placed under a temporary guardianship. “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care,” states a petition for guardianship filed in August. He is also “unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.” While Fritz recovers, a guardian “is necessary to avoid immediate harm,” the petition states. On July 14, Fritz - who owns Frank Fritz Finds, an antiques store in Savanna, Illinois - was found unresponsive in his Davenport home and rushed to a local hospital. He was released to a rehabilitation facility in mid-August, where he continues to recover, court documents show.
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Judge Henry Latham wrote in an order approving the guardianship, “There are sufficient allegations to warrant appointment of a guardian and conservator on an emergency basis, including a letter from the Protected Party’s physician indicating he is unable to make decisions for himself.” A longtime friend was installed as guardian of Fritz’s care, and a local bank took over conservatorship of his finances.
Reconciliation and Final Days
Despite a period of estrangement, Fritz and Wolfe reportedly reconciled before Fritz's death. The duo hadn't been seen together in years, ever since Fritz suddenly stopped appearing on "American Pickers" in 2020. However, according to an unnamed friend, the two reportedly managed to bury the hatchet last year. "Mike has been wanting to see Frank for quite some time," the friend told the Quad-City Times. "Frank just now felt up to seeing him. It was Frank's request to see Mike."
"They were both in tears. Both were crying," she said. "Mike brought up how nervous they both were to be going on David Letterman, which was one of their first big appearances.… They talked about old times, how things got started and the impact they had on the world. There were tears flowing on both sides." "They were not feuding," the friend added.
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