Frank Fritz, American Pickers Star, Dies at 60

Frank Fritz, former star of 'American Pickers', passed away on September 30, 2024, at age 60 after a prolonged battle with Crohn's disease, opioid addiction, and a stroke. His health issues began in the '90s with Crohn's disease, leading to a back injury in 2020 that resulted in surgery and subsequent addiction to painkillers. His addiction ultimately led to his firing from the show in 2021 when he failed to provide negative drug tests, despite efforts from co-star Mike Wolfe to support him through interventions and rehab. Wolfe emphasized the difficulty of watching his friend struggle, recalling the challenges during the pandemic and how Fritz attempted to handle his issues alone. After a stint in rehab, Fritz enjoyed a brief period of sobriety before relapsing, ultimately leading to his decline in health. Fans mourn his loss, reflecting on the struggles he faced both personally and professionally.