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5 Shocking Details About American Pickers Star Frank Fritz's Death, The Contested Will, And Mike Wolfe’s Final Tribute

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The television world mourned the loss of a true original when Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the History Channel's hit show *American Pickers*, passed away. The news, confirmed on September 30, 2024, brought an end to a long and private health battle that had kept the "bearded charmer" off-screen for years. His death at age 60, following a devastating stroke, has since been followed by a shocking and ongoing legal dispute over his estate, keeping his name in the headlines and raising questions about his final wishes. This article, updated for late 2025, details the complete story, from his rise to fame to the current, unresolved legal turmoil.

Frank Fritz’s death marks one of the most significant losses in reality television history, leaving a void for fans of the show's original dynamic. While his on-screen partnership with Mike Wolfe was legendary, his final years were defined by health struggles and an eventual, controversial departure from the series. The most current development, however, is the contested will, which pits a close friend against his own family in a battle that has even delayed his final memorial.

Frank Fritz: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile

Frank Fritz was an American reality television star, antique collector, and actor whose lifelong passion for "picking" led him to international fame. He was instantly recognizable for his signature beard, quick wit, and deep knowledge of vintage Americana and motorcycles.

  • Full Name: Frank Fritz
  • Born: October 11, 1964
  • Birthplace: Great Falls, Montana
  • Died: September 30, 2024
  • Age at Death: 60
  • Cause of Death: Complications from a stroke
  • Known For: Co-host of *American Pickers* (2010–2020)
  • Career Focus: Antique collecting, specializing in vintage toys, signs, and motorcycles.

Before achieving stardom, Fritz worked as a fire and safety inspector for two decades. His friendship with Mike Wolfe, which dated back to high school, eventually led to the creation of *American Pickers*. The show launched in 2010 on the History Channel and became an immediate smash hit, chronicling their cross-country adventures searching for forgotten treasures in barns, basements, and junkyards.

The Final Pick: Frank Fritz's Death, Health Battles, and Departure from American Pickers

Frank Fritz’s health struggles began long before his death. He battled Crohn’s disease for years and, in 2020, he took a hiatus from *American Pickers* to recover from back surgery. This hiatus eventually became permanent, leading to a public rift and a rumored "feud" with his former co-host, Mike Wolfe.

The Devastating Stroke and Conservatorship

The most devastating health crisis occurred in July 2022 when Fritz suffered a major stroke. The stroke left him hospitalized and eventually placed under a conservatorship and guardianship, as his health never fully recovered. This event tragically ended any chance of him returning to the show or his public life.

Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60, due to complications stemming from the stroke two years prior. In the months leading up to his death, a close friend reportedly believed Fritz had "lost his will to live" due to his declining health and the isolation he felt after leaving his successful television career.

The Shocking Legal Battle Over Frank Fritz's Contested Will

In a development that has kept the story fresh and current in late 2025, Frank Fritz's estate is embroiled in a shocking legal battle. Shortly after his death, it was revealed that his will was being contested.

Friend vs. Father: The Estate Dispute

The core of the dispute involves a close friend of Fritz's who is challenging the validity of his will, demanding a trial to contest the estate. The friend has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Fritz’s father, Bill Fritz, who is one of the beneficiaries. This highly unusual and public disagreement over the late star’s assets has cast a shadow over his memory.

The legal turmoil has had a profound and immediate consequence: the memorial service for Frank Fritz has been delayed indefinitely. The ongoing disputes highlight the importance of clear estate planning, especially for public figures, and have left fans and fellow cast members sitting on the sidelines while the legal battle rages.

Mike Wolfe and the Cast's Emotional Tributes

Despite the public friction that surrounded Frank Fritz's departure from *American Pickers*, his former co-host, Mike Wolfe, was one of the first to confirm the tragic news and share an emotional tribute. Wolfe posted a heartfelt message on social media, confirming his friend's death and expressing deep sorrow.

The Heartfelt Message from Mike Wolfe

Wolfe's tribute spoke to the deep connection they shared, forged over a decade of traveling the backroads of America together. He emphasized Frank's ability to connect with people and his unique charm. "Frank had a way of reaching the world and I will miss him," Wolfe wrote, confirming that despite their differences, the bond of their shared history remained strong.

The History Channel and the entire *American Pickers* family, including Danielle Colby, also released statements expressing their sadness and honoring Frank’s legacy. They acknowledged his invaluable contribution to the show, which became a cultural phenomenon and a staple of the network.

Frank Fritz’s Enduring Legacy to Antique Collecting

Frank Fritz’s impact on the world of antiques and collectibles is undeniable. His persona on *American Pickers* made the often-dusty world of "picking" accessible and exciting to a mass audience. He was instrumental in popularizing the term "rusty gold," proving that value could be found in the most unlikely and forgotten places.

His meticulous eye for vintage Americana, especially his passion for old motorcycles, signs, and vintage toys, inspired countless viewers to explore their own attics and local junkyards. While the show continues with Mike Wolfe and others, the unique chemistry and the genuine, often humorous, tension between the original duo, Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe, is what fans will forever remember and cherish. The ongoing legal battle is a sad final chapter, but his legacy as the "bearded charmer" of the Quad Cities and beyond remains intact.

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american pickers star dies

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