Frank Fritz, “American Pickers” star, dead at 60 — rest in peace

Fans are devastated at the news that Frank Fritz, the antiques expert who gained fame on the reality series American Pickers, has died at 60.

Fritz, who left the series in 2021, had been suffering from health problems and was hospitalized from a stroke two years ago.

The news was announced by Fritz’s friend and co-star Mike Wolfe, who said that Fritz passed away last night.

“I’ve know 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,” Wolfe wrote in a social media tribute. “The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”

Fritz and Wolfe gained fame as the hosts of the reality TV series American Pickers, which premiered on the History Channel in 2010. The series showed the two “pickers” traveling across the USA, searching for valuable antiques and collectibles in unexpected places.

“We’re looking for amazing things buried in people’s garages and barns,” the show’s opening narration explains. “What most people see as junk, we see as dollar signs. We’ll buy anything we think we can make a buck on.”

“We make a living telling the History of America… one piece at a time.”

The series attracted millions of viewers, becoming one of History Channel’s most popular programs. In its debut year it was the #1 non-fiction series among total viewers and adults 25-54.

While the antiques were often interesting, there’s no doubt it was the chemistry and charisma of the two hosts that kept viewers coming back for more.

In 2021, it was announced that Fritz would be leaving American Pickers after a decade on the hit series. Fritz said the decision was not his own, and that he was pushed out by the network after a back surgery.

“I didn’t leave the show,” he told The Sun at the time. “I finished shooting and then I had a little back surgery and the pandemic came.”

He also suggested that his co-host’s ego was a factor, saying the show had “tilted towards him 1,000 percent.” “I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” Fritz said. “He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.”

In July 2022, Fritz was hospitalized from a stroke. In 2023, he had a tearful reunion with Mike Wolfe, and the two resolved their purported feud. However, Fritz declined an offer to rejoin American Pickers, deciding to focus on his health.

It’s clear that the two former co-hosts have remained friendly since then, and it seems Wolfe was by his side til the end.

“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,” Wolfe wrote on Instagram. “I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know [you’re] in a better place.”

American Pickers remains a staple of the History Channel lineup. Fritz has never officially been replaced as co-host, though series regulars like Danielle Colby, Mike Wolfe’s brother Robbie, and friend and antiques expert “Jersey Jon” Szalay will rotate accompanying Wolfe on his antiquing trips.

Colby also shared her own tribute to Fritz on social media. “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,” she wrote.

“Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.
Rest in Peace Road Dog.”

Rest in peace to the iconic reality TV star Frank Fritz 😢🙏 Please share this story in his memory.

Shocking Stories This Week: From Fashion Fails to Heartbreaking Goodbyes

**This Week’s Celebrity News: Heartbreaks and Controversies**

This week, we heard some very sad news. A contestant from “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) tragically passed away at just 17 years old.

In other news, Taylor Swift faced heavy criticism for a “trashy” outfit she wore to an NFL Game.

We also learned about the chilling last words of the Titan Submersible crew before they lost contact, which gave us all a scare.

Additionally, a ballerina from “Dancing with the Stars” died at only 29, and Michael Jackson’s brother has passed away as well.

On a lighter note, Jennifer Aniston’s dress at the 2024 Emmy Awards sparked a lot of reactions from fans and critics alike.

Let’s dive into these unforgettable stories from this week.

**Emily Gold’s Heartbreaking Passing**

Emily Gold, a 17-year-old dancer from Los Osos High School, was a recent contestant on “America’s Got Talent.” Sadly, she passed away just weeks after her stunning performance on the show. Fans and friends are mourning the loss of such a young talent.

Stay tuned for more updates on these stories and others making headlines this week.

**Tragic Details Surrounding Emily Gold’s Death**

The San Bernardino Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Emily Gold passed away by suicide on the night of September 13. She was found along the eastbound 210 freeway in Rancho Cucamonga, California, at 11:52 p.m.

According to California Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Rodrigo Jimenez, officers responded to reports of a pedestrian in the carpool lane.

“When the officers arrived, they found a 17-year-old female who had been struck by at least one vehicle,” Jimenez stated. “Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.”

This tragic news has left her family, friends, and fans in deep mourning.

The officer’s statement gave a heartbreaking account of that night, leaving many with more questions than answers. Emily Gold’s last weeks had been filled with excitement as she performed on “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) with her dance team from Los Osos High School.

The Southern California group amazed audiences with their high-energy routine, making it all the way to the show’s quarterfinals. This achievement was a highlight in Emily’s young life, making her untimely passing even more tragic for her family, friends, and fans.

Even though Emily and her team were eliminated in August, their performance left a lasting mark on both the audience and the judges. Simon Cowell, known for being a tough critic, even gave them a standing ovation for their incredible act.

Fans of “America’s Got Talent” have turned to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to the talented young dancer. Many have expressed their shock and sadness at the loss, remembering her as a bright star with so much potential.

Many are heartbroken by Emily’s sudden loss, with several people expressing disbelief that someone so vibrant and full of life could be gone so soon. One commenter wrote, “She looks so happy outside and probably dealt with so much inside. RIP angel.”

Others shared similar feelings, posting tributes like “Rest in Peace, little angel. Sending prayers to her family” and “So sad, so young and gone too soon.” These heartfelt messages flooded online spaces, showing just how much she touched the lives of those around her.