American pickers host Frank Fritz died on Monday, September 30, at the age of 60, according to his former co-star Mike Wolfe.

“It is with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe, 60, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, October 1. “I have known Frank for more than half of my life and what you say. What I saw on television was always what I saw: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. Just as he was off camera, Frank had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many just by being himself.”

Wolfe reflected on the time he had spent with Fritz over the years. The hosts were Fritz and Wolfe American pickers together for ten years since their debut in 2010 before Fritz left the series. A cause of death is not yet known.

“Who would have ever thought that we would be sharing the cockpit of a white van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures? Before the show, we set off together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind and only a shared passion to discover something interesting and historical,” Wolfe continued. “We have taken countless trips and covered so many miles together and I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much, I know you are in a better place.”

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The History Channel announced Fritz's exit from the series in July 2021, shortly after Fritz made the claim The sun that he “hasn’t spoken to Mike in two years.” Wolfe responded to the upheaval in a statement Us weekly at the time.

“I've known Frank since I can remember, he was like a brother to me. “The journey that Frank, Dani (Colby) and I began in 2009, like all of life, has had its ups and downs, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding,” he said. “I will miss Frank, as will all of you, and I pray for the very best and all the best for him on the next part of his journey.”

Fritz's last appearance on American pickers was in March 2020, shortly before he had to undergo back surgery.

“I had a few rods installed there. This was because I was constantly lifting things. If you watch the show you can see who the guy is that trains all the time, it’s always me,” he said The sun in July 2021. “It hurt for a very, very long time. I'm talking months and months and months. Finally I had it looked at and they said it was about to split in half and the bones were sticking up the middle of my spine. They stuck a couple of large rods into the middle of my spine. I had to sew 185 stitches and two sticks into my back. I had a back injury, but I can lift, I’m fine.”

Fritz also opened up about his battle with Crohn's disease, adding: “There's no cure, it's like a dragon.” Every day is a crap shoot. One day I could have a double chimichanga served with hot sauce and have no problem with it. Another day I could eat a piece of toast with scrambled eggs and throw a tantrum. I haven't had any flare-ups recently. I was really good and stopped drinking.”

A year later, Wolfe announced in July 2022 that Fritz was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

“I've been very reserved over the past year about Frank's life and the journey he's been on,” he wrote via Instagram. “There have been many opinions about mine and Frank's friendship and the show, but now is not the time to clarify the matter. Now it’s time to pray for my friend.”

He continued: “Please keep him in your hearts and minds. Frank, I pray more than anything that you get through this well. I love you, buddy.”

Robbie WolfeMike's brother, redeemed Fritz American pickers follows his departure. Robbie shared his own tribute on social media on Tuesday, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my friend Frank Fritz passed away last night. They all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling. Fishing and family, he was the godfather of my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laugh will be missed. Preferably just spending time sitting in a fishing boat and talking about life. I know you're feeling better. . I love you buddy, I hope you catch the big one 🎣, see you in heaven and keep the boat steady. 🙏😇.”