American Pickers TV star Frank Fritz dies, aged 60, Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby lead tributes

Tributes are flowing for American Pickers star Frank Fritz who has died, aged 60.

Mike Wolfe, who co-hosted the long-running TV show with Fritz, broke the news to fans on Instagram.

“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote.

“I’ve known Frank for more than 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.”

The pair travelled across the US in a van searching for antiques and collector’s items, filming more than 300 shows together.

Fritz later told how he had left the show to dealt with health issues, including Crohns disease and alcohol issues and claimed Wolfe hadn’t contacted him to check on his wellbeing.

The pair buried the hatched before Fritz’s death and, in a tribute this week, Wolfe reflected on how their friendship started long before the show was first filmed in 2010.

“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,” Wolfe wrote.

“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.”

“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 your in a better place.”

Danielle Colby, who also starred on the show, remembered Fritz’s humour.

“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,” she wrote.

“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.”

Fritz’s death is understood to have been due to complications from a stoke he suffered in 2022.