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The Tragic Truth: Is Frank Fritz Still Alive? The Latest Update On The American Pickers Star

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The question “Is Frank Fritz still alive?” continues to be one of the most searched queries online in late 2025, a testament to the enduring love fans have for the former co-host of the History Channel’s hit show, American Pickers. Despite his departure from the series and a subsequent two-year battle with severe health issues, the reality star’s legacy as a world-class antique expert and lovable television personality remains firmly intact, fueling persistent curiosity about his status.

As of today, December 25, 2025, the definitive and heartbreaking answer is that Frank Fritz passed away more than a year ago. The beloved picker died in September 2024, but the circumstances surrounding his final years—including a devastating stroke, a public feud with his co-star Mike Wolfe, and a shocking legal battle over his estate—have kept his name in the headlines and the public consciousness, making his story feel far from over.

Frank Fritz: A Comprehensive Biography and Final Years

Frank Fritz was a celebrated American antique collector, reality television star, and entrepreneur, best known for his decade-long run on American Pickers. His career was defined by his keen eye for valuable relics and his distinct, often humorous, on-screen chemistry with his long-time friend and co-host, Mike Wolfe.

  • Full Name: Frank Lee Fritz
  • Date of Birth: October 11, 1963
  • Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa, USA
  • Date of Death: September 30, 2024
  • Age at Death: 60 years old
  • Cause of Death: Complications from a stroke, which was caused by cerebral vascular disease.
  • Occupation: Antique Dealer, Reality Television Personality
  • Known For: Co-host of American Pickers (2010–2020)
  • Education: Attended Sudlow Middle School and Wood Junior High School in Davenport.
  • Net Worth: Estimated at $6 million at the time of his death.
  • Relationship Status: Never married; was in a long-term relationship that ended prior to his death.

Fritz’s passion for "picking" started early, beginning with collecting beer cans and rocks as a child. He turned this lifelong hobby into a lucrative career, eventually co-founding the iconic store Antique Archeology in Le Claire, Iowa, which served as the home base for the show.

The Tragic Health Battles and Final Days

Frank Fritz’s departure from American Pickers in 2020 was initially attributed to a combination of health issues, which unfortunately worsened in the years that followed. His struggle with chronic conditions was a major factor in his decision to step away from the demanding travel schedule of the show.

The Fight Against Crohn's Disease and Back Pain

For years, Fritz battled Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which significantly impacted his quality of life. In 2020, he underwent a major back surgery to address debilitating pain, which he cited as the primary reason for his temporary leave from the show.

However, what was meant to be a temporary break became permanent, leading to months of public speculation and a growing rift between him and his co-star. The physical toll of his conditions was immense, but the emotional strain of the professional fallout also weighed heavily on him.

The Devastating Stroke and Passing

In July 2022, Frank Fritz suffered a massive stroke. The incident left him incapacitated and required him to be placed under a temporary conservatorship. The stroke was a result of cerebral vascular disease and necessitated continuous care, with Fritz eventually being moved to a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, where he passed away peacefully on September 30, 2024.

His passing at age 60 prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and a public tribute from Mike Wolfe, who shared a heartfelt message on social media calling Fritz “a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny.”

The American Pickers Feud: Friendship on the Rocks

The relationship between Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe, once the bedrock of the American Pickers franchise, deteriorated significantly in the years leading up to Fritz’s death. This public feud is a major reason why curiosity about Frank’s life remains so high, as fans were hoping for a reconciliation that ultimately never fully materialized.

The rift began after Fritz took his leave in 2020. In interviews given in 2021, Fritz openly expressed his frustration, stating he felt he had been "fired" and that Wolfe had not reached out to him in two years. He claimed he was left in the dark about his return to the History Channel series, saying he was disappointed and called the situation "bulls–t."

Wolfe later countered by saying he would miss his former partner, but the network officially confirmed that Fritz would not be returning, with Robbie Wolfe, Mike’s brother, taking on a more prominent role. The tension centered on the nature of their friendship and professional partnership, with Fritz suggesting that the relationship was strained long before his exit due to the pressures of the television business.

While reports suggested a brief, quiet meeting between the two stars occurred after Fritz’s stroke, a full, public reconciliation of their decade-long friendship remained elusive before his death. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges of mixing personal relationships with high-stakes reality television.

The Shocking $6 Million Will Contest and Legal Drama

The drama surrounding Frank Fritz did not end with his passing. In a turn of events that has drawn fresh media attention in late 2024 and early 2025, his estate has become the subject of a bitter legal battle—a major update that keeps his name current in the news cycle.

The contest revolves around his final will, which reportedly names a close friend as the sole beneficiary and executor of his estimated $6 million estate. This decision has been vehemently challenged by members of his family, most notably his father.

Fritz’s father has publicly insisted that the will is "fake" and that his son was not in a sound state of mind to make such decisions, especially after the debilitating stroke left him incapacitated. Furthermore, another close friend of the late star has also challenged the will, demanding a trial to determine the rightful control of the estate.

This ongoing legal dispute over the estate, which includes his personal antique collection, real estate, and financial assets, ensures that the name Frank Fritz continues to be a topic of discussion. The battle highlights the complexity of his personal life in his final years and the enduring questions about his relationships outside of the American Pickers spotlight.

Frank Fritz’s Enduring Legacy and the Future of Picking

Despite the tragic circumstances of his death and the drama that followed, Frank Fritz’s legacy as an authentic "picker" remains undeniable. He brought the world of rusty gold, vintage motorcycles, antique toys, and rare Americana to millions of homes, inspiring countless hobbyists to explore their own forgotten treasures.

The show, American Pickers, continues its run on the History Channel, with Mike Wolfe, Danielle Colby, and Robbie Wolfe carrying on the tradition of traversing the backroads of America. However, for many long-time fans, the dynamic of the show will forever be defined by the easygoing, often hilarious banter between Frank and Mike.

While the search query "Is Frank Fritz still alive" is now answered with a definitive and sad 'no,' the ongoing legal battles and the fond memories of his time on screen ensure that the spirit of Frank Fritz—the man who loved a good deal and a great piece of history—will not be forgotten.

is frank fritz still alive
is frank fritz still alive

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