5 Unsettling Truths Revealed About Frank Fritz's Death And The Legal Battle Still Raging In 2025

The question of "Is Frank Fritz dead?" has unfortunately been answered with a final confirmation, but the story of the beloved *American Pickers* star is far from over. As of today, December 12, 2025, the reality TV community continues to grapple with the loss of the antiques expert, who passed away over a year ago. The former co-host of the History Channel’s hit show died following a devastating stroke, yet the circumstances surrounding his final years and the financial aftermath continue to generate headlines and confusion among fans.

The latest updates, stretching into late 2025, reveal emotional tributes from his former co-stars, Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby, alongside an ongoing and painful legal battle over his estate. This article cuts through the rumors to present the confirmed facts about Frank Fritz’s death, the official cause, and the five most significant developments that have emerged since his passing.

Frank Fritz: A Life in Antiques and Reality TV

Frank Fritz was a celebrated figure in the world of antique collecting, known for his sharp eye for "rusty gold" and his humorous, often competitive, partnership with Mike Wolfe on *American Pickers*. His journey from a small-town collector to a reality television star is a testament to his passion for history and forgotten treasures.

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• Full Name: Frank Fritz
• Born: October 11, 1965
• Birthplace: Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
• Died: September 30, 2024
• Age at Death: 60
• Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
• Career: Antique Collector, Reality Television Personality
• Notable Work: Co-host of *American Pickers* (History Channel, 2010–2020)
• Pre-TV Career: Worked for a period as a firefighter and fire inspector.
• Health Issues: Suffered from Crohn's disease, battled alcohol dependency, and experienced a major stroke in 2022.

1. The Confirmed Cause of Death and Contributing Factors

The long-circulating rumors about Frank Fritz’s health reached a tragic conclusion when his death was confirmed in the fall of 2024. The official cause of death, as listed on his death certificate, was a direct result of the severe medical events he had endured in the years prior.

The immediate cause of death was listed as "late sequela of cerebral infarction," which is the medical terminology for complications that arise long after a stroke has occurred.

However, the stroke was not the only factor. The death certificate also noted several contributing health conditions that had plagued Fritz for years and severely impacted his quality of life. These included:

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• Cerebral Vascular Disease: A condition affecting the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain, which was the underlying cause of the stroke.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult.
• Aortic Stenosis: A serious heart condition where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow.

Fritz passed away at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, at the age of 60, two years after suffering the initial stroke in July 2022 that had left him under guardianship.

2. Mike Wolfe’s Heartbreaking Final Moments with Frank

The strained relationship between the two *American Pickers* co-stars, Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe, was a major source of fan speculation following Frank’s departure from the show in 2020. However, in the wake of Frank's death, Wolfe offered an incredibly raw and emotional account of their final moments, confirming a deep bond remained.

Wolfe revealed exclusively that he was present at the hospice facility and was holding Frank’s hand when he took his last breath.

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In a powerful statement, Wolfe shared that he told his lifelong friend, "I told him I loved him." This final act of reconciliation and friendship provided a touching end to a complex, decades-long relationship that had been fraught with professional and personal tension.

Since the passing, Mike Wolfe has committed to honoring Frank’s legacy, promising fans in a late 2025 update, “We’ve Got This,” suggesting his future work will carry the spirit of his former co-host.

3. Danielle Colby’s Silence Broken: A "Huge Loss"

The third member of the original *American Pickers* trio, Danielle Colby, also broke her silence on the tragedy. Colby, who often acted as the anchor between the two men, had remained relatively quiet on the public falling out between Fritz and Wolfe.

In an interview following Frank’s death, Colby reflected on the "huge loss" to the collecting community and to those who knew him. Her comments addressed the years of speculation surrounding the behind-the-scenes drama, offering a more nuanced perspective on the challenges Frank faced.

Colby’s tribute underscored the impact of Frank’s personality on the show’s success, reminding fans that despite the controversies and his eventual exit, his passion for finding vintage items and sharing the history of America’s back roads was authentic and irreplaceable.

4. The Ongoing Legal Battle Over Frank Fritz's Will in 2025

Perhaps the most unsettling development following Frank Fritz’s death is the ongoing legal dispute over his last will and testament. This issue has kept Frank’s name in the news well into 2025, adding a layer of painful complexity to his legacy.

After the will was admitted to probate, a will contest was filed by Frank’s estranged father. The lawsuit disputes the validity of the document, aiming to overturn the terms of the will.

The core of the dispute revolves around the distribution of Frank’s estate, which includes his assets, his business ventures, and the proceeds from his successful television career. Legal experts suggest that such disputes are often lengthy and emotionally taxing for all parties involved, unfortunately delaying the final closure for Frank’s loved ones.

5. The Legacy of the Original American Pickers Era

Frank Fritz’s death officially closes the chapter on the original era of *American Pickers*. His departure from the show in 2020, initially due to back surgery and later fueled by a public rift with Mike Wolfe, marked a significant shift for the series.

Frank’s legacy is defined not just by the antiques he picked, but by his genuine, down-to-earth persona that resonated with millions of viewers. He brought to light the world of "picking," a subculture of treasure hunting that involves traveling the country, going through barns, and meeting eccentric collectors.

His health battle, which included Crohn’s disease and a public struggle with alcohol, became a major part of his later narrative, highlighting the personal struggles behind the celebrity facade. Ultimately, the stroke and its complications—cerebral infarction, COPD, and aortic stenosis—are a stark reminder of the fragile nature of health, even for those who seem larger than life on television.

As Mike Wolfe continues the show, the memory of Frank—the man who loved rusty bikes, old signs, and the thrill of the hunt—will forever be intertwined with the success of *American Pickers* and the golden age of reality collecting. The ongoing legal challenge serves as a final, unfortunate footnote to the life of a man who simply wanted to find treasure and tell a good story.