More details have emerged surrounding Frank Fritz’s death.
Last week, we reported that the longtime American Pickers star tragically passed away at just 60 years old. His co-host Mike Wolfe announced the news on Instagram with a heartbreaking tribute about their years-long friendship. See (below):
Shortly after, we learned Frank died as the result of complications from a stroke he suffered in 2022. According to TMZ, he spent his final few days in a hospice facility while also battling Crohn’s disease. And now, we have even more heartbreaking details about the fatal impact his stroke had.
Related: The Office Star Jenna Fischer Reveals Breast Cancer Battle — She Completely Lost Her Hair
In an interview with the US Sun on Wednesday, Frank’s close friend Jerry Gendreau explained that the late TV star had a very difficult journey of recovery after suffering his stroke. He told the outlet:
“He felt really, really bad. You would go to see him in the nursing home and one-half of his body was completely done. He would lift his arm up and it would just drop. That’s got to be tough to be totally bedridden.”
How devastating…
Jerry noted Frank became “frustrated” because he couldn’t always “couldn’t come out and say what he wanted to say,” though he noted some days were “much, much better than others.”
What a sad, debilitating time for Frank. Poor guy. Heartbreakingly, Jerry added that Frank lost “the will to live.” He told the outlet:
“I’ve seen this when people get tired, they get tired. I think if you don’t have the will to live, you won’t. I think Frank could’ve lived a lot longer if the will to live would’ve been there.”
So, so sad.
A source previously told the outlet that Frank “needed 24-hour care” after suffering his stroke and was “unable to move the right side of his body.” Ugh. Our hearts continue to go out to his loved ones.
R.I.P.
[Images via History/YouTube]
