Frank Fritz, star of “American Pickers,” has died at the age of 60

Frank Fritz, who drove around the United States looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show “American Pickers,” has died.

He died Monday night at a nursing home in Davenport, Iowa, said Annette Oberlander, a longtime friend. She said that he was 60 years old, not 58 years old, as reported by some websites and news sources.

She said next to his bed As was Mike Wolfe, who starred with Fritz for more than a decade On the History Channel program. A hybrid of “Antiques Roadshow” and “Hoarders,” the show follows the friends as they move across the country in search of a piece of history.

“Just the same as he was off camera, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of many by being himself.” Wolf said An Instagram post mourning the loss of his friend.

“We are sad to announce that our friend and beloved member of the HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, passed away on September 30, 2024,” the “American Pickers” show said. He wrote on his social media account.

The duo drove about 70,000 miles a year in search of pieces that caught their eye.

“When you walk into an antique store, chances are 95 percent of the time that dealer isn’t buying all of that stuff,” Wolff said. He told CBS Sunday Morning in a 2020 interview.

Fritz worked on the program for more than a decade, the program said, describing him as a “bearded wizard” in a never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bicycles.

“Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed,” the post read.

His friend Oberlander said Fritz suffered a stroke in 2022 and never fully recovered. The celebration of life, which will include a motorcycle ride, will likely happen in the spring, she said.

“He was a fierce friend,” Oberlander said. “He left behind an incredible amount of friendships because that’s what was most important to him. A very large amount of friendships. Close friendships.”