AMERICAN Pickers' Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60 after suffering a devastating stroke in 2022.
Frank's longtime co-star and friend Mike Wolfe shared the heartbreaking news over Instagram on Monday, October 1.
Mike began the post, "It's with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night."
"I've know Frank for more then half my life and what you've seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.
"Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures.
"Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic."
Mike ended the tribute with, "We've been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you're in a better place."
Frank's co-star Danielle Colby shared a series of photos with her late friend to pay tribute.
She wrote, "Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time.
"Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.
Rest in Peace Road Dog."
Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Frank on American Pickers, shared, "It's with a heavy heart I'm sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
"You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and Family he was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed."
"Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you're in a better place... Love you buddy hope you catch the big one🎣 until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady."
Plenty of fans were quick to react to the tragic news and shared kind words about the popular TV personality.
"We will miss you Frank!" one wrote as another commented, "Rest in peace."
This comes after Mike, 58, made a lengthy statement on Instagram to share that his estranged friend Frank was in the hospital.
He wrote at the time: "I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank's life and the journey he's been on. There have 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.
"Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts."
He concluded: "Frank, I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you, buddy."
Frank's passing comes one year after he was fired from his role on the History Channel show.
As The Sun reported, Frank last appeared on American Pickers during a March 2020 episode.
He had previously been open about wanting to return to to the series after his hiatus, and revealed: "I'd still like to get back to my job, I miss my friends and my people and being on the road and meeting all those different characters."
However, his termination was confirmed by Mike in 2021, as he said: "... 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."
The reality series took a hit following Frank's dismissal as the once impressive ratings have taken a dip without the fan favorite.
The Sun exclusively revealed ratings for the July 9 episode had just 833,000 viewers tune in as fans labeled the show as "boring."
One wrote: "Very dry and boring without Frank - scripted... a very different show..."
"Not the same without Frank," another reacted at the time.
The two lead stars hadn't seen eye-to-eye as Frank once told The Sun: "I haven't talked to Mike in two years. He knew my back was messed up, but he didn't call me up and ask how I was doing. That's just how it is.
"The show is tilted towards him 1,000 percent. I can't even bend that far down to show you how much."
He added: "That's fine. It's like you've got Aerosmith and there's Steven Tyler and he's the frontman. I found my spot, I'm second and he's number one on the show. That's no problem with me, maybe he does have a problem."
