‘American Pickers’ Stars Danielle, Mike Exchange Words After Frank’s Death

American Pickers Stars Danielle Colby and Mike Wolfe have shared their love for each other after Frank Fritz’s death.

The three starred alongside each other on the reality show, which follows them as they scour the country for forgotten gems in junkyards, basements and garages, and recycle and renovate them while meeting quirky characters along the way.

Fritz’s last appearance on the program was in March 2020 as he took a break to recover from back surgery. When American Pickers returned in January 2021, Fritz was not on the show. Mike Wolfe later released a statement to say Fritz would not be returning to the series.

Per Fritz’s death certificate, obtained by TMZ on October 11, the 60-year-old reality star died on September 30 of “late sequela of cerebral infarction,” or a stroke that resulted from cerebral vascular disease.

Following Fritz’s death, Colby and Wolfe have exchanged words of support online.

Newsweek emailed a spokesperson for Wolfe for comment on Tuesday outside of normal business hours. Colby declined to comment.

“It’s has taken me a long time to figure out what I was going to say or if I even wanted to post that we have new episodes starting tomorrow night,” Wolfe posted to Instagram while sharing a clip of the upcoming season of American Pickers.

“The timing of this and Frank’s passing is not great however we have been making shows without Frank for four years now and we have always wanted him to be back with this crew, but he couldn’t due to health issues. Every time the crew and I were in Iowa, we would go and sit by Frank’s side and let him know how much he was missed, how he could never be replaced and we will work incredibly hard on every episode to make him proud. As always, since Frank has left, I dedicate this show and all the others this season in his honor.”

Colby commented, “I love you brother [mending heart emoji],” to which Wolfe responded: “Love you more Honey.”

This isn’t the first time that Wolfe has spoken out about his former co-star’s death, as he shared the news on Instagram on October 1.

“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” he wrote.

“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.

“Before the show we would take off together to places we never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.”

He concluded: “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 I know you’re in a better place.”

Fritz and Wolfe previously had a public falling out after Wolfe released a statement when American Pickers returned in January 2021 and Fritz was notably absent.

“I have known Frank for as long as I can remember, he’s been like a brother to me,” Wolfe said in a statement at the time.

“The journey that Frank, Dani [Colby] and I started back in 2009, like all of life, has come with its highs and lows, blessings and challenges, but it has also been the most rewarding.”

He added: “I will miss Frank, just like all of you, and I pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.”

Previously speaking to Newsweek, Fritz responded to Wolfe’s statement: “Mike’s statement was b*******. Somebody wrote it out for him. I don’t believe in 10 years he’s said five nice things to me, you know? Unless he was cutting somebody else down and we were both laughing.”

According to various reports, in May 2023, the feuding former costars repaired their relationship.