Reality star and former American pickers presenter Frank Fritz has passed away.

His death on Monday (September 30) comes two years after he suffered a debilitating stroke in October 2022.

“It is with a broken heart that I share with you all that Frank passed away last night,” Fritz’s former co-star Mike Wolfe announced on Instagram on Tuesday (October 1).

Alongside a photo of the two of them, Wolfe wrote: “I’ve known Frank for more than half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been the same as I’ve seen: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was. funny. Off camera, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of many by just being himself.

“Who would have ever dreamed that we would share the cockpit of a white van for millions of people interested in our adventures,” he continued. “Before the show, we set off together to places we didn’t know existed, with no destination in mind and only the shared passion to discover something interesting and historical.

“We have made countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know you are in a better place.

Born in Davenport, Iowa, Fritz rose to fame as a longtime co-host of American pickersa reality show that followed him and Wolfe as they traveled across America in search of rare artifacts to sell at their Antique Archeology stores in Le Claire, Iowa and Nashville, Tennessee.

Fritz stepped down from the History Channel show in March 2020 after undergoing back surgery. Despite being open about his desire to return to the show, it was revealed in July 2021 that he had been replaced by Wolfe’s brother Mike.

In October 2022, it was reported that Fritz had been placed under temporary guardianship after suffering a stroke that left him “unable to communicate or make important decisions about his own financial affairs.”

After news of his death, The History Channel reported and American pickers production company Cineflix Production released a joint statement, saying: “Frank was filming American pickers for more than a decade. We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bicycles.

“Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”

In addition to co-hosting American pickers For ten years, Fritz also appeared on other History Channel series, including Pawn stars And American restoration. He also lent his voice to an episode of the adult cartoon Family guy.