For those following the American Pickers saga over the last few years, there is more to add to this story, and it’s not a great update.
As many will recall, Frank Fritz mysteriously disappeared from the hit History Channel show in March 2020. In an interview with The Sun in July 2021, Fritz revealed he hadn’t spoken to his co-star, Mike Wolfe, in two years. Their employer, The History Channel, announced Fritz’s exit from the hit show in July 2021 and Wolfe eve released a statement, which read:
“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me. The journey that Frank, Dani (Danielle), and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding. I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”
Later that month, Fritz checked himself into a rehabilitation center for alcohol abuse. Wolfe and their other co-star, Danielle, sent Frank their well wishes and hoped he gets the help he needs.
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In July 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke and his former co-star took to Instagram to ask for prayers.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend,” Mike wrote. “Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts. Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”
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As time went on, Fritz apparently hasn’t been recovering well, and in August 2022, a longtime friend of Fritz’s filed for a conservatorship due to the fact that Fritz is “so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.”
According to the Des Moines Register, the guardianship was approved without question.
Since then, his health has reportedly declined. According to The Sun, who has obtained the multiple 9-1-1 calls in relation to him, since Fall of 2022, Fritz has “suffered several seizures, an emergent blood pressure spike, and a severe case of pneumonia.”
The first 9-1-1 call came on Nov. 17 from his caregiver, then another on December 7, and one each on December 21 and 22. His guardian called one of those times. Each call warranted an ER visit.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Frank Fritz.