American Pickers star Frank Fritz died from a stroke on Sept. 30. He was just 60 years old.
According to his death certificate, obtained by TMZ, the stroke was a result of cerebral vascular disease, aortic stenosis, and COPD, all of which the actor suffered from at the time of his death.
According to Penn Medicine, aortic stenosis occurs “when the aortic valve narrows and blood cannot flow normally,” while chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes it difficult to breathe.
The certificate lists his official time of death as 8:50 p.m. and describes the manner of death as natural. Frank’s body was cremated shortly after his death, according to TMZ.
University of Michigan Health defines cerebrovascular disease as a “group of conditions that affect blood flow and the blood vessels in the brain.”
It’s the fifth most common cause of death in the U.S., according to Cleveland Clinic.
Fritz also suffered a stroke in 2022
In 2022, Fritz’s former co-star, Mike Wolfe, revealed that Fritz was in the hospital after suffering a stroke. He urged fans to “pray for my friend” and to “keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
The news came just over a year after Fritz stepped away from American Pickers after having back surgery. He also suffered from Crohn’s disease.
“I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy,” Wolfe wrote.
He also touched on the “opinions” people had about their strained relationship, which Fritz revealed in an interview with The Sun in 2021. Wolfe wrote that “now is not the time to set the record straight.”
Fritz and Wolfe spent nearly 12 years documenting their travels as they drove across the country in search of rare and valuable antiques, collectibles, and historical artifacts in the most unlikely places.
Wolfe confirmed co-star’s death on Oct. 1
Fritz’s death came as a shock to many. It was confirmed by Wolfe, who took to Instagram on Oct. 1 to share the news that he had died the night before.
“I’ve know 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,” Wolfe wrote in the caption.
He praised Frank for his “way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
Wolfe recalled a time before the cameras, when he and Fritz would “take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind.” Those are the moments he’ll miss the most.
“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,” he concluded.
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Fritz will forever be remembered for the joy he brought to those around him and those who watched him on the History Channel. May he rest in peace.