Frank Fritz, the American Pickers star, has died. From 2010 to 2020, Antique and Collectible Picker hosted the reality television show. Fritz has traveled over the United States with Mike Wolfe for 26 seasons, looking for unique Americana artifacts and national treasures to acquire, add to their own collections, or sell. Wolfe, Frank’s co-star and friend, shared on Instagram that he died away yesterday night, expressing sadness. I’ve known Frank for almost half of my life, and what you see on TV is exactly what I see: a dreamer who is as sensitive as he is hilarious. Frank had a knack for touching people’s hearts by simply being himself, both on and off camera.” Who would have thought we’d be sharing the cockpit of a white cargo truck in front of millions of people eager to hear about 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 taken numerous journeys and traveled thousands of miles together, and I consider myself fortunate to have been by his side when he made his final journey home. I love you, buddy, and will miss you very terribly. I know you’re in a better place.” Danielle Colby, one of Fritz’s co-stars, paid homage, writing, “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 adored your cat and mother, and we bonded over them. We will miss you for these and many more reasons. Rest in peace, Road Dog.

Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on the show, expressed sadness, saying, “My friend Frank Fritz passed away last night.” You all knew him from television. But I knew him via travel, fishing, and family; he was the godfather to my twin daughters. His grin was infectious, and his laughter will be missed.”Most of all, I enjoy just sitting on a fishing boat and talking about life.” I know you are in a better place.” I love you, buddy, and I hope you catch the big one until we meet again in heaven. Hold the boat steady.”