Months afterFrank Fritz’s passing, hisAmerican Pickersco-star is picking up the pieces, being a support to his family.In an interview with People,Mike Wolfeopened up about Fritz’s death and how he was there for his family. Having known Fritz’s family, Wolfe shared, “I check in with them from time to time and see what’s going on, and if they have any questions with regard to some of the things that they’re coming across of his, I am able to answer those for them.”
Noting how his passing had hit everyone hard, including himself, Wolfe told People. “Frank always had a very small circle. He learned early in life that he didn’t need 20 acquaintances, he just needed three or four really good friends. And so he always led his life that way,” said Wolfe. “I mean, he was always a guy everybody knew, buthe held onto his circle very close and was somebody that would do anything for anybody. So they’re all kind of stepping back and just trying to get through it themselves.”
Mike Wolfe Spent the Final Moments with His ‘American Pickers’ Co Star
Frank Fritz’s death was due to a stroke as a result of cerebral vascular disease. It was also revealed via his death certificate that he had aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis can be described as a chronic condition that makes blood flow throughout the body difficult. His passing was revealed on September 30th, 2024,through an impassioned Instagram post by Wolfe. TheAmerican Pickersstar wrote, in part, “We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles, andI 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 your in a better place.” Wolfe opened up about that moment in his conversation with People. He said, “I was there for about an hour before he passed, and I was holding his hand and rubbing his chest when he took his last breath. I took my fingers and I closed his eyes.”
In those final moments together, he told his late costar, “I just told him that I wasn’t mad at him and that I loved him and that I cared about him so much. And then when I could see that he was struggling, I just said, ‘Just go find your mom. Go find her right now. Just go find her.'“The pair worked onAmerican Pickersfrom 2010 until Fritz departed in 2020.While there was a feud regarding the pair, another major reason for Fritz’s departure was health concerns, including recent back surgery, Crohn’s disease, and a stroke. Despite the feud, the pair were able to reconcile.American Pickersis available to stream on Hulu.
