When American Pickers premiered in 2010, we were introduced to a brand new world of treasure hunting. Mike Wolfe and Fred Fritz traveled around the country visiting some of the nation’s most eclectic collectors. Along the way, we got to know and love them through witty banter in a giant white van. Sadly, Fritz suffered a stroke in 2022 and took a step back from the show. Mike announced on Instagram on October 1 that his dear friend passed away.

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz’s Friendship Lasted Many Years
In his post, Mike said he’d known Frank forever and was “heartbroken” to share the news that he was gone.

He wrote, “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.”

He continued, “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. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know you’re in a better place,” Mike wrote.

Fans shared condolences with Mike.

Someone wrote, “Thanks for attending at his bedside, you stood in for us all. RIP, sir.”

“Sorry for your loss Mike, it is a loss for all, we share the sadness and the memories,” a fan shared.

“Oh no, I am so sorry to hear this my deepest condolences,,” another fan agreed.

This story’s featured image is by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic.