The reality star, who passed away at age 60 on Sept. 30, died from “late sequela of cerebral infarction,” according to Fritz’s death certificate, obtained by TMZ.
The condition is more commonly known as a stroke.
Fritz’s death certificate also states that his stroke was brought on by cerebral vascular disease, a group of conditions that affect blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain, according to University of Michigan Health.
The reality TV star also had aortic stenosis, a chronic condition that can constrict the amount of blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body, and COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung that blocks airflow and makes it hard to breathe. Both of these conditions contributed to Fritz’s death, per the official document.
Fritz’s co-star and friend Mike Wolfe announced the History Channel alum’s shocking death on social media Tuesday, Oct. 1.
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’ve [known] 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.”
Fritz was hospitalized for a stroke two years before his death.
“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,” added Wolfe, 60. “We’ve been on countless trips and shared so many miles.”
The star concluded his post by writing, “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 you’re in a better place.”
Fritz and Wolfe co-hosted “American Pickers” since 2010, traveling the US in search of rare artifacts and treasures to sell in antique shops or add to their personal collections.
The History Channel and “American Pickers” producers Cineflix Production told The Post in a joint statement on Tuesday: “We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade.”
They continued, “We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
In July 2022, Wolfe took to Instagram to share the news of Fritz’s stroke.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on,” he captioned his post at the time. “There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.”
“Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts,” Wolfe continued. “Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”
Fritz stopped appearing on “American Pickers” during Season 21 and was later replaced by Wolfe’s brother, Rob.
