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Frank Fritz: The Untold Story Of His Death, Cause, And The Shocking 2025 Will Contest

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The question of "Did Frank Fritz die?" is one that continues to circulate on social media and search engines, largely due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the former American Pickers star’s final years and the recent, explosive legal battle over his estate. As of December 2025, the definitive and heartbreaking answer is yes: Frank Fritz passed away after a long struggle with his health following his departure from the History Channel show. His death, which occurred in late 2024, was officially attributed to complications from a severe health crisis, yet the story of his life and legacy has taken a dramatic turn into 2025 with a highly publicized legal challenge to his last will and testament, making the details of his passing more relevant than ever before.

The official cause of death for the beloved antique expert, who was 58 at the time, was confirmed by a death certificate that shed light on his deteriorating condition. However, the emotional and professional rift with his long-time co-star, Mike Wolfe, and the subsequent legal drama over his final wishes have ensured that Frank Fritz’s name remains in the headlines, solidifying his status as one of reality television’s most enduring and complicated figures. The following is an in-depth look at his life, the medical details of his passing, and the very latest updates on the 2025 legal proceedings.

Frank Fritz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Frank Fritz was an American antique collector, television personality, and entrepreneur best known for his role as the co-host of the History Channel reality television series American Pickers. His career was defined by his keen eye for hidden treasures and his humorous, often grumpy, on-screen chemistry with his co-star, Mike Wolfe. The show, which premiered in 2010, made him a household name and a central figure in the world of antique picking.

  • Full Name: Frank Fritz
  • Date of Birth: October 11, 1965
  • Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
  • Occupation: Antique Collector, Television Personality, Entrepreneur
  • Known For: Co-host of American Pickers (2010–2021)
  • Departure from American Pickers: 2021 (Officially announced July 2021)
  • Date of Death: September 30, 2024
  • Age at Death: 58 (Turning 59)
  • Cause of Death: Complications from a stroke ("late sequela of cerebral infarction")
  • Residence at Death: Davenport, Iowa

Fritz's passion for collecting began in his youth, and he eventually turned it into a lucrative career before television stardom. Prior to his time on American Pickers, he worked as a fire inspector for a period. His expertise in vintage toys, old signs, and classic motorbikes became the backbone of the show’s success.

The Official Cause of Death: What Exactly Happened to Frank Fritz?

The death of Frank Fritz on September 30, 2024, followed a severe and prolonged health battle that began years earlier. The official cause of death, as listed on his death certificate, was "late sequela of cerebral infarction." This medical terminology essentially means his death was a result of long-term complications stemming from a stroke.

The Stroke and Contributing Factors

Fritz suffered a debilitating stroke in July 2022, which was a major turning point in his life and health trajectory. The stroke left him hospitalized and eventually required him to be placed under a conservatorship. His manager, Bill Stankey, confirmed that the star died from complications related to the stroke while in hospice care.

In addition to the cerebral infarction, the death certificate also listed other significant contributing health factors, including:

  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): A common lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs.
  • Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of the aortic valve, which can impede blood flow from the heart.

These underlying conditions compounded the damage caused by the stroke, ultimately leading to his passing. The star had also previously sought treatment for alcohol abuse, which he revealed around the time of his departure from the show in 2021, highlighting the multiple health challenges he faced in his final years.

The American Pickers Feud and Final Days

Frank Fritz's last years were marked by a highly public and emotional falling out with his long-time co-star and friend, Mike Wolfe. This feud, which became public in the summer of 2021, coincided with Fritz's exit from American Pickers, a show he had helped launch and sustain for over a decade.

The Rift with Mike Wolfe

The tension between the two stars had reportedly been simmering for a long time. Fritz cited the stress of their working relationship and the pressure of the show as reasons for the rift. He also expressed frustration that Wolfe had not reached out to him after a back surgery that put him off the show.

In a 2021 interview, Fritz claimed that he and Wolfe had not spoken for two years. The departure was officially announced by The History Channel in July 2021, with Wolfe stating that he would miss Fritz but supporting his decision. Following Fritz's stroke in 2022, Wolfe publicly shared a message of support, asking fans to keep him in their thoughts. After Fritz’s death, Wolfe posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, reflecting on their 35 years of friendship and collaboration.

Life After the Show

After leaving American Pickers, Fritz was reportedly never able to fully get over the separation from the show that had been such a huge part of his life. His health problems, including the stroke, were compounded by the emotional toll of the feud and his treatment for alcoholism. His final days were spent in hospice care in Davenport, Iowa, where he was surrounded by friends and family.

The Shocking 2025 Will Contest: A New Legal Battle

The most recent and significant development in the Frank Fritz saga is the legal battle over his estate, which began in early 2025. This controversy has brought his name back into the news with a fresh wave of media attention.

The Petition to Challenge the Will

Frank Fritz had a will in place, but a petition to challenge its validity was filed in February 2025 by a separate attorney, suggesting a potential will contest. A will contest is a formal objection raised against the validity of a will, often based on claims of improper execution, lack of testamentary capacity (meaning the person was not of sound mind when signing), or undue influence.

Reports leading up to the filing indicated that there were conflicting accounts of Fritz’s health and mental state in the months before his death and around the time the will was signed. These conflicting reports are often the basis for a will contest, as the challenger attempts to prove that the deceased was not capable of making sound decisions about their estate.

Topical Entities and LSI Keywords

The ongoing legal drama ensures that the legacy of Frank Fritz is still very much in the public eye. Key entities and concepts surrounding his life and death include: Mike Wolfe, American Pickers, cerebral infarction, stroke complications, Davenport Iowa, hospice care, Frank Fritz estate, will contest, History Channel, antique expert, and the discussion around his final wishes and mental capacity at the time of signing his last documents. The 2025 legal proceedings are the freshest layer of information, ensuring that the story of Frank Fritz is far from over.

did frank fritz die
did frank fritz die

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Broderick Veum
  • Username : elody.jakubowski
  • Email : ufisher@mccullough.net
  • Birthdate : 1993-06-05
  • Address : 95492 Deron Spring Apt. 799 North Rowena, TX 72426-5565
  • Phone : 917-995-5336
  • Company : Fritsch, Welch and Walter
  • Job : Buyer
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