Reality star and former American pickers Moderator Frank Fritz has died.

His death on Monday (September 30) comes two years after he suffered a debilitating stroke in October 2022.

“It is with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Fritz's former co-star Mike Wolfe announced on Instagram on Tuesday (October 1).

Alongside a picture of the two of them, Wolfe wrote: “I've known Frank for more than half my life and what you saw on TV was always what I saw: a dreamer who was just 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.

“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,” he continued. “Before the show, we set off together to places we never knew existed, with no destination in mind, but only with a shared passion to discover something interesting and historical.

“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 that I know you are in a better place.”

Fritz was born in Davenport, Iowa and rose to fame as a longtime co-host American pickersa reality show that followed him and Wolfe as they traveled across America in search of rare artifacts to sell at their archeology antique shops in Le Claire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee.

Fritz retired from the History Channel show in March 2020 after undergoing back surgery. Although he openly expressed his desire to return to the show, it was revealed in July 2021 that he had been replaced by Wolfe's brother Mike.

In October 2022, it was reported that Fritz had been placed under temporary guardianship after suffering a stroke that left him unable to communicate or make important decisions regarding his own financial affairs.

Following the news of his death, The History Channel and American pickers Production company Cineflix Production released a joint statement that read: “Frank filmed American pickers for over a decade. We will always remember “the bearded charmer” and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bicycles.

“Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. We will miss him very much.”

In addition to co-hosting American pickers For 10 years, Fritz also appeared on other History Channel series including Pawn stars And American Restoration. He also lent his voice to an episode of the adult cartoon Family man.