'American Pickers' star Frank Fritz dies

(KWQC) - Frank Fritz, known as part of the original “American Pickers” duo, died.

According to a close family friend, Fritz died peacefully Monday evening in Davenport surrounded by friends, including “American Pickers” co-star Mike Wolfe who traveled from Tennessee to be there.

After suffering a stroke in July 2022 Fritz had been going through therapy and rehab, but faced additional setbacks.

In an Instagram post, co-star Mike Wolfe shared:

“Frank passed away last night. 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.”

Fritz, born in Davenport, worked across the Quad Cities Area and owned his own shop in Savanna, Ill., called “Frank Fritz Finds”.

“American Pickers” debuted on the History Channel in 2010, with pickers Fritz and Wolfe visiting old barns, looking for collectibles or interesting odds and ends.

The American Pickers own three stores to showcase their “picks,” with the hub in LeClaire, Iowa.

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