Frank Fritz Died: Inside The Final Years, Will Contest, And Untold Story Of The American Pickers Star

The world of antique picking was permanently dimmed in late 2024 with the passing of Frank Fritz, the beloved co-host of the History Channel’s hit reality series, American Pickers. The news of his death, which occurred on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60, brought a wave of sorrow to fans who had followed his journey from his early days hunting for forgotten treasures alongside Mike Wolfe to his final years marked by significant health and personal struggles. This article, updated for December 18, 2025, provides the definitive, fresh look at the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing, the complex health battles he faced, and the contentious legal battle over his estate that continues to make headlines.

The confirmation of Frank Fritz’s death came two years after he suffered a debilitating stroke, officially closing a chapter on one of television’s most recognizable partnerships. His passing was a tragic culmination of years of chronic health issues, a departure from the show he helped make famous, and a very public falling out with his long-time friend and co-star, Mike Wolfe. The latest developments, however, revolve around a dramatic legal contest over his final wishes, proving that even in death, the life of a reality TV star is rarely simple.

Frank Fritz: A Life in Antiques and Adversity (Biography Profile)

Frank Fritz was more than just a TV personality; he was a genuine antique enthusiast whose passion for "rusty gold" resonated with millions. His on-screen persona was characterized by his dry wit, encyclopedic knowledge of vintage items, and his signature side of the road picking adventures.

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• Full Name: Frank Fritz
• Born: October 11, 1963
• Died: September 30, 2024 (Age 60)
• Birthplace: Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
• Occupation: Antique Collector, Reality Television Host, Businessman, Author
• Known For: Co-host of the History Channel’s American Pickers (2010–2020)
• Cause of Death: Late sequela of cerebral infarction (Stroke)
• Health Battles: Crohn’s disease, chronic back pain, alcoholism, severe stroke (2022)
• Key Career Milestone: Co-founding and starring in American Pickers, which premiered in 2010 and became a global phenomenon.

The Untimely Death and Official Cause

Frank Fritz’s death on September 30, 2024, was officially attributed to the "late sequela of cerebral infarction," a medical term that confirms his passing was a direct result of the severe stroke he had suffered two years prior.

The stroke, which occurred in July 2022, was a catastrophic event that left the former television star in critical condition. He was found unresponsive at his Iowa home and had been living in an assisted living facility and, later, receiving hospice care in the period leading up to his death.

A Decade of Health Struggles

Fritz’s final years were defined by a series of escalating health crises, which ultimately led to his departure from the show. His on-screen weight fluctuation was an early indicator of his long-standing battle with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition.

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In 2021, he underwent major back surgery to address chronic back pain, which was a primary reason for his initial hiatus from American Pickers. Compounding these issues, Fritz was also open about his struggles with alcoholism, which he sought treatment for in the years before his stroke. These interconnected health battles—Crohn’s, back injury, and alcoholism—created a perfect storm that severely compromised his health, making the 2022 stroke a final, devastating blow.

The Frayed Friendship: Fritz’s Exit and Feud with Mike Wolfe

The narrative of Frank Fritz’s career cannot be told without addressing the fractured relationship with his co-star, Mike Wolfe. The duo, whose dynamic fueled the show's success for over a decade, had a significant falling out that became public in 2021.

Fritz originally stepped away from American Pickers in March 2020 to recover from back surgery. However, when the show resumed filming, he was not invited back. This led to a public exchange where Fritz claimed that Wolfe had not reached out to him in two years and that their relationship had soured due to professional and personal issues.

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In a 2021 interview, Fritz stated, "I haven't talked to Mike in two years. He knew I was going through a lot of personal stuff." He also suggested that Wolfe’s growing ego and the show's shift in focus contributed to the rift. Wolfe, for his part, later issued a statement wishing Fritz well, but the damage to their friendship was clear.

Despite the long-simmering feud, Wolfe and other cast members, including Danielle Colby, expressed profound sadness and paid tribute to Fritz following his death. Wolfe posted an emotional message, confirming that the two had reconciled before Fritz’s passing, stating, "I have been trying to find an update of Frank's condition but all I seem to... I will miss you Frank."

The Battle Over His Estate: Inside the Will Contest

In a final, complicated twist to his life story, Frank Fritz’s estate has become the subject of a high-stakes legal battle. Following his stroke in 2022, a close friend, Chris Davis, was appointed as his legal guardian to protect his assets and ensure his care.

Fritz’s will was submitted for probate in October 2024, shortly after his death. However, its validity is currently being challenged by his father. The central argument of the will contest is that Fritz lacked the necessary mental capacity to execute a valid will following his debilitating stroke.

The legal dispute centers on the question of "testamentary capacity"—whether Fritz understood the nature of his assets and who he was naming as beneficiaries at the time the will was signed. This situation highlights the importance of estate planning, especially for individuals facing severe health issues. Legal experts have noted that had Fritz established a Living Trust before his health declined, much of this court controversy might have been avoided, as trusts are generally harder to contest than a simple will.

This ongoing legal drama ensures that Frank Fritz's name will remain in the headlines long after his passing, with his friends and family fighting to protect what they believe are his true final wishes against the challenge brought by his father. The outcome of the will contest will determine the fate of the antique collector's estate and legacy.