Late ‘American Pickers’ Star Frank Fritz Alleged to Have Faced Significant Medical Debt Leading Up to Death
Fans of the long-running reality TV series American Pickers are mourning the loss of Frank Fritz. On October 1, his former co-host, Mike Wolfe, announced Fritz’s death, beginning a wave of condolences from supporters. Although Fritz and Wolfe’s friendship was tumultuous, their bond was undeniable as Fritz worked through health issues over the last 15 years. This allegedly caused large amounts of medical debt for the collectible picker.
Viewers felt Fritz’s absence on American Pickers after his last episode aired in March 2020. The Iowa native first cited recovery from back surgery and a battle with Crohn’s disease as the cause of his absence. In 2021, he admitted that the History Channel actually fired him when he went to rehab for alcohol addiction. He told The Sun, “I went to rehab, and I’ve been sober now for 11 months. I didn’t like drinking anymore. My mom was an alcoholic, and she died five years ago, and it was alcohol-related. My grandfather was an alcoholic, and he died. That didn’t sit well with me.”
Focusing on his health and sobriety, Fritz remained estranged from American Pickers. He also faced the absence of his longtime business partner, Wolfe, who hadn’t spoken to him in two years. Fritz cited hurt feelings over Wolfe not asking him about his back surgery. During the summer of 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke. The antique toy enthusiast lost his ability to take care of himself, and a longtime friend was awarded conservatorship on August 18, 2022.
In court papers obtained by The U.S. Sun, Fritz faced serious medical debt leading up to his untimely death on September 30. The Honda aficionado spent $28,292 monthly on medical expenses, including in-home care. He spent over $1,000 in food, $850 in health insurance, and $500 in transportation and clothing each month, too. In total, Fritz faced over $270,000 annually for expenses and care.
Some American Pickers viewers suggested Fritz sell his huge collection of antiques and collectibles at his Iowa farmhouse. However, his conservator claimed he had no immediate intention of going through Fritz’s hoards of potential treasures and taking inventory. He did plan to apply for disability income as Fritz was unemployed at the time. Over the last two years, Fritz did regain his ability to walk. However, he needed a wheelchair to get around.
Fritz had hoped to return to American Pickers. “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.” Sadly, the collector didn’t have the chance to reprise his role.
Wolfe posted a tribute to Fritz for his 536,000 Instagram followers to see. He captioned a photo of the two of them, “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 … 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.”
Now, American Pickers fans wonder if the show will continue. The good news: Wolfe said new episodes will air in October 2024. Additionally, according to Cheat Sheet reporter Lauren Weiler, the History Channel renewed American Pickers for additional episodes beyond this year. The new contract states that the reality show will continue for at least three more years as of May 2024.
