Mike Wolfe, star of American Pickers, shared that he was by his co-star and friend Frank Fritz’s side, holding his hand as he “took his last breath.”
Fritz, who passed away in September at the age of 60 due to stroke complications, was widely recognized for his role as host of the antique and collectible show from 2010 until 2020.
Wolfe took to Instagram to break the sad news of his dear friend’s passing.
Part of his heartfelt message read: “It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night.”
“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.”
“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.”
In a recent interview with People, Wolfe reflected on feeling like the “last man standing” after Fritz’s departure from American Pickers.
“I was just kind of left to fend for myself in a lot of ways. I could finish his sentences. He could finish my sentences,” Wolfe stated.
During Fritz’s later years, Wolfe attempted to assist him with addiction issues, organizing an intervention with Fritz’s family.
“I remember running into him like a month later. He said he was just going to handle everything on his own, and I asked him how he was doing. He said, ‘I’m fine. I’m fine. No, I’m really fine.’ And then like a month later, he was gone,” Wolfe shared with People.
Although their relationship became strained over time, Wolfe noted they never fully “disconnected.”
When Fritz passed away, Wolfe was right there with him.
“I got the call that he wasn’t doing well. I just feel blessed that I was able to get there,” Wolfe recounted.
“I was there for about an hour before he passed, and I was holding his hand and rubbing his chest when he took his last breath. I took my fingers and I closed his eyes.”
Reflecting on those final moments, Wolfe said: “I just told him that I wasn’t mad at him and that I loved him and that I cared about him so much.”
“And then when I could see that he was struggling, I just said, ‘Just go find your mom. Go find her right now. Just go find her.’