More heartbreaking details have emerged following the death of American Pickers star Frank Fritz.
On Tuesday (October 1), Fritz's long-time American Pickers co-star Mike Wolfe shared the tragic news that the beloved treasure hunter had passed away at the age of 60.
In an emotional Instagram post, Wolfe wrote of his co-star of more than 300 episode of the show: "It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night."
Now, further details have been shared about Fritz's final moments.
Over the last few years, Fritz had been through a number of ongoing health battles.
Fans of the hit reality show were left devastated when it was revealed that Fritz would no longer be appearing - with his final appearance being in March 2020.
Fritz left the show following a gruelling back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine. Despite dropping 65lbs as a result, he had been battling alcohol addiction - spending 77 days in rehab.
As well as also suffering from Crohn's disease, Fritz suffered a devastating stroke at his Iowa home in 2022.
His decision-making capacity was left so impaired that MidWestOne Bank was legally named as Frank’s conservator, while his long-time friend Chris Davis served as his guardian.
Now, a representative for Fritz has revealed to TMZ that the reality star died from the effects of the stroke he suffered several years ago. They added that Fritz's Crohn’s disease 'may have played a role' in his passing.
His rep also told the outlet that Fritz died at the Quad Cities hospice facility.
At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by family and friends - including co-star Mike Wolfe.
In his tribute to Fritz, Wolfe spoke fondly about the surprise success of their reality show, saying: "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.
"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," Wolfe concluded his message to fans. "I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you're] in a better place."
Additionally, fellow co-star "Queen of Rust" Danielle Colby also shared a series of photos with her late friend to pay tribute, writing in the caption: "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.
"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."
And Robbie Wolfe - who served as Fritz replacement on American Pickers - also wrote on social media: "It's with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.
"You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and Family he was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed."
Our thoughts continue to go out to Fritz's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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