Frank Fritz, Star and Host of “American Pickers,” Dies at 60 – NBC Chicago

“American Pickers” star and host Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60, according to family members and his co-star on the popular TV show.

Fritz, an Iowa native, died Monday evening surrounded by friends and family, according to a post on a page for Fritz's friends.

“This is a very difficult announcement,” the post began, adding that this is “a very difficult time for us.”

The post states that Fritz's co-star on the show, Mike Wolfe, traveled from Nashville to be by his side.

“It is with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I've known Frank for more than half my life and what you saw on TV was always what I saw: a dreamer who was as sensitive as he was funny. The same off-camera as on-camera, Frank.” Had the opportunity to reach the hearts of so many people just by being himself? Who would have ever thought that we would be sharing the cockpit of a white van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures?

Wolf recalled the couple's adventures as they traveled even before their show began, “with no destination in mind and only with a shared passion to discover something interesting and historical.”

“We have taken countless trips and covered so many miles together, and I feel blessed to have been by his side as he made one final journey home,” Wolfe wrote. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much, I know you’re in a better place.”