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The Final Pick: Did Frank On American Pickers Die? A Complete Timeline Of His Life, Death, And Shocking Will Contest

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The question of "Did Frank on American Pickers die?" has sadly been answered, but the full story is more complex than a simple yes or no. As of December 21, 2025, the reality is that Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the hit History Channel series *American Pickers*, passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. His death came two years after a major health crisis that forced him off the road and out of the public eye, yet the drama surrounding his life continues with a shocking, and very recent, legal battle over his estate.

This comprehensive report details the full timeline of Frank Fritz's life, his unexpected exit from the show, the serious health issues he faced, and the current, ongoing dispute over his last will and testament. Fans and collectors alike have been seeking clarity on the fate of the man known for his sharp eye for rusty gold, and the final chapter of his story involves a legal wrangle that is making headlines well into 2025.

Frank Fritz: A Complete Biography and Profile

Frank Fritz was more than just Mike Wolfe's sidekick on *American Pickers*; he was a lifelong collector and a reality TV star whose persona resonated with millions. His journey from a local Iowa personality to a national television icon is a testament to his passion for antiques and Americana.

  • Full Name: Frank Fritz
  • Date of Birth: October 11, 1963 (Some sources cite 1965, but 1963 is widely accepted as his birth year at the time of his passing)
  • Date of Death: September 30, 2024
  • Age at Death: 60
  • Birthplace: Davenport, Iowa, USA
  • Nationality: American
  • Known For: Co-hosting the History Channel's *American Pickers* (2010–2020)
  • Prior Career: Worked for 25 years as a fire inspector in Iowa.
  • Business: Owned Frank Fritz Finds, an antique store in Savanna, Illinois.
  • Health Issues: Crohn's disease, back surgery, alcohol abuse treatment, and a massive stroke (2022).

Before his television fame, Fritz's love for collecting was deeply personal. He often focused on vintage toys, signs, and anything related to fire departments, stemming from his long career as a fire inspector. This authentic passion was the core of his appeal on the show, where his detailed knowledge and often-grumpy-but-lovable demeanor made him the perfect foil to Mike Wolfe’s energetic salesmanship.

The Real Story Behind the American Pickers Exit

Frank Fritz's departure from *American Pickers* in 2020, after Season 21, was a major point of confusion and speculation among fans for years. The exit was not a clean break but a gradual fading away, fueled by a mix of health crises and a personal rift with his co-star, Mike Wolfe.

Fritz initially took a hiatus from the show to recover from significant back surgery. This procedure was necessary due to his long-standing battle with Crohn's disease and the physical demands of "picking." The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated his return, causing the hiatus to stretch into a two-year absence.

However, the underlying tension became public in 2021 when Fritz revealed he had been fired, not that he had quit. He openly discussed his strained relationship with Mike Wolfe, admitting to a falling out that had been brewing for years. Fritz also bravely disclosed that he had sought treatment for alcohol abuse, a personal battle that coincided with his time away from the show.

The feud between the former friends became a major story, with Fritz stating they had not spoken for an extended period. Despite the public acrimony, following Fritz's stroke, Mike Wolfe did issue a statement expressing concern and support for his former co-host, showing a complexity to their relationship that transcended the business partnership.

The Final Pick: Frank Fritz's Death and Health Timeline

Frank Fritz’s final years were marked by significant health struggles that ultimately led to his passing. The timeline of his health decline provides a sobering look at the challenges he faced after leaving the spotlight.

The 2022 Stroke and Incapacitation

In July 2022, Frank Fritz suffered a major ischemic stroke. The severity of the stroke was immediate and life-altering, leaving him incapacitated and requiring him to be placed under a temporary conservatorship. His friend, Annette Oberlander, was appointed as his guardian to manage his affairs and health care.

Following the stroke, Fritz was reported to be living in an assisted living facility, undergoing rehabilitation and care. His condition remained critical, and he was unable to fully recover from the neurological damage sustained. The stroke essentially ended any hope of a return to television and drastically changed his quality of life.

The Passing on September 30, 2024

Frank Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, due to complications from his prior stroke. His passing was confirmed by his longtime friend Annette Oberlander and was met with an outpouring of grief from the collecting community and former colleagues.

The History Channel and Cineflex Productions released a joint statement expressing their sadness, confirming that a beloved member of the *American Pickers* family had passed. Mike Wolfe also shared a heartfelt tribute, acknowledging their complex history but focusing on their shared journey and the deep bond formed over years of "picking" together.

The Shocking Will Contest and Estate Battle

The most recent and unique development in the Frank Fritz saga is the ongoing legal dispute over his estate, which has continued to make news well into 2025. This shocking will contest highlights the complicated nature of his final affairs and the conflicts that arose after his incapacitation.

The core of the dispute revolves around a will allegedly signed by Fritz before his passing. This document is being challenged by both his father, Bill Fritz, and a friend, who have raised questions about its validity given Frank's health and mental capacity around the time it was signed.

Key Details of the Estate Dispute:

  • The Challenger: Frank’s father, Bill Fritz, and another friend are contesting the will.
  • The Claim: Challengers claim the will is "fake" and that Frank was incapacitated and not of sound mind when he signed it.
  • Legal Focus: The legal battle centers on the timing of the will's execution relative to his stroke and conservatorship, questioning whether he had the necessary capacity to make legal decisions.
  • Current Status: As of late 2024 and early 2025, the matter remains in the courts, with demands for a trial to settle the estate.

This ongoing estate dispute serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear legal planning, especially for individuals facing serious health issues. The battle over his assets, which include his antique collection, business interests, and personal property, adds a final, dramatic layer to the life of the reality TV star who was so adept at finding hidden treasures, only to have his own final treasure—his estate—become a source of public conflict.

Frank Fritz's legacy as a passionate collector and a central figure in the rise of reality television's antique-hunting genre is secure. While his life ended tragically short, his memory endures through the countless finds he made and the millions of fans who tuned in every week to watch him and Mike Wolfe search for rusty gold across America in the *Antique Archaeology* van.

did frank on american pickers died
did frank on american pickers died

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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