5 Tragic Health Battles That Led To Frank Fritz's Official Cause Of Death

The official cause of death for former *American Pickers* star Frank Fritz has been confirmed, finally giving closure to fans following his passing in late 2024. The beloved antique collector, known for his quick wit and signature style on the History Channel's hit show, died at the age of 60, two years after suffering a debilitating stroke. His final years were marked by a series of intense, private health struggles that ultimately led to the complications cited on his death certificate.

As of December 15, 2025, the most recent and definitive information, obtained from his death certificate, reveals that Frank Fritz's immediate cause of death was "late sequela of cerebral infarction". This medical terminology points to the profound, long-term complications that arose directly from the massive stroke he suffered in July 2022. The reality star was reportedly in hospice care at the time of his death, surrounded by loved ones after a prolonged period of declining health.

Frank Fritz: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Frank Fritz was a celebrated American antique collector, reality television star, and author whose career was defined by his passion for "picking" through forgotten Americana. His on-screen chemistry with co-host Mike Wolfe made *American Pickers* a cultural phenomenon, turning him into a household name.

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• Full Name: Frank W. Fritz
• Date of Birth: October 11, 1965
• Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa
• Age at Death: 60 years old
• Date of Death: September 30, 2024
• Profession: Antique Collector, Reality TV Personality, Businessman, Author
• Notable Work: Co-host of *American Pickers* (2010–2020) on the History Channel
• Early Career: Worked for many years as a fire inspector, a job he held before his television career took off
• Collecting History: Began collecting rocks and beer cans at a young age, developing a lifelong passion for finding rare and historical items

Fritz’s journey from a fire inspector in Davenport, Iowa, to a reality TV icon is a testament to his dedication to the world of antiquing. He spent decades honing his craft, traveling across the American Midwest in search of rusty gold long before the cameras started rolling for The History Channel.

The Official Medical Reason: Late Sequela of Cerebral Infarction

The term "late sequela of cerebral infarction" is the official, clinical explanation for Frank Fritz’s death, providing a clear medical link between his 2022 stroke and his ultimate passing. Understanding this medical jargon is key to grasping the severity of his final health chapter.

What is Late Sequela of Cerebral Infarction?

A cerebral infarction is the medical term for an ischemic stroke, which occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, causing brain tissue to die. "Late sequela" refers to the long-term, chronic, and often fatal complications that follow the initial stroke event.

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In Frank’s case, the stroke he suffered in 2022 was massive and left him with significant physical and cognitive impairments. The sequelae can include a host of issues such as severe paralysis, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), pneumonia (often from aspiration), and other infections, all of which progressively weaken the body and lead to organ failure over time. The official cause of death indicates that these residual, compounding effects of the initial stroke were what finally claimed his life.

Frank Fritz's Five Chronic Health Battles and Final Years

While the stroke was the immediate cause, Frank Fritz battled a series of chronic and severe health issues for years, many of which contributed to his departure from *American Pickers* and ultimately weakened his system, making him vulnerable to the fatal stroke.

1. Crohn’s Disease

Frank struggled with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, for decades. This condition is known to cause severe abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Managing a demanding travel schedule while dealing with a chronic illness like Crohn’s was an ongoing challenge throughout his career on the History Channel.

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2. Back Surgery and Recovery

In 2020, Fritz took a nearly two-year hiatus from *American Pickers* to recover from extensive back surgery. This procedure was necessary due to severe spinal issues, and the recovery was long and arduous. It was during this time that the rift between him and co-star Mike Wolfe became public, and he was ultimately not asked to return to the show, a professional and emotional blow that reportedly took a significant toll.

3. Cerebral Vascular Disease

The death certificate provided a deeper look into the underlying issues, citing cerebral vascular disease as a contributing factor to his stroke. This is a broad term for conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood supply to the brain, often leading to blockages and increasing the risk of stroke. This suggests a long-term, progressive cardiovascular issue that was likely developing quietly for years.

4. Aortic Stenosis

Another major health entity listed was aortic stenosis, a serious heart condition. Aortic stenosis is the narrowing of the aortic valve, which restricts blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. This condition can lead to heart failure and is a critical risk factor for stroke, as it affects the overall function of the cardiovascular system. The combination of cerebral vascular disease and aortic stenosis paints a picture of a severely compromised circulatory system.

5. The Devastating 2022 Stroke

The final and most devastating health event was the stroke he suffered in July 2022. It was so severe that he was placed under conservatorship, indicating a significant loss of capacity. The stroke marked the end of his public life and led to his eventual placement in hospice care, where he spent his final months before succumbing to the "late sequela" of the cerebral infarction.

The Legacy of Frank Fritz: Tributes and the Mike Wolfe Feud

Frank Fritz’s death brought his fractured relationship with his longtime friend and co-star, Mike Wolfe, back into the spotlight. The two had a public falling out following Fritz's departure from the show in 2021. The feud was reportedly a result of Mike not reaching out to Frank during his back surgery recovery and differing accounts of his exit, with some friends suggesting their on-screen clashes had become too difficult to manage.

Despite the years of distance and the public rift, Mike Wolfe was among the first to pay a heartfelt tribute to his former partner. Wolfe shared a touching message on social media, acknowledging their long history, which spanned over half their lives.

Other key figures from the *American Pickers* universe, including shop manager Danielle Colby, also shared their condolences, celebrating Frank's unique character and his irreplaceable role in the show’s success. The collective tributes highlighted his legacy as a genuine, passionate picker who inspired a generation to look twice at the forgotten treasures of American history.

Frank Fritz’s passing is a somber reminder of the hidden battles many face away from the public eye. His life was a testament to the thrill of the hunt, but his final years were a fight against a cascade of chronic health issues, ultimately ending with the complications from a stroke—a tragic conclusion to a remarkable life in reality television.