As fans and supporters take in Frank Fritz’s passing from a month ago, a source revealed details about his struggle with opioid addictions, which was the reason he got fired from American Pickers in 2021. Fritz left the show to undergo back surgery in 2020; however, he never returned, leaving his partners, Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby, to carry on the program.
Fritz was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the ‘90s, though it took him years to make it public in 2013. His treatment included medication that weakened his bones, hence, when he broke his back, he had to do surgery. Fritz became addicted to his painkillers and, eventually, alcohol.
A look into Frank Fritz’s painkiller addiction
Fritz checked into rehab at The Abbey Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, for alcohol abuse, and recovery took him 77 days, after which he became sober for only 11 months before relapsing. He was confident about never drinking again as he expressed excitement over his potential return to American Pickers but was rejected after his drug test came out positive.
Fritz conceded, issuing a public statement in response to being fired while looking back on his friendship with Mike. Mike allegedly cut communication with Fritz during this time, as he admitted in recent interviews that they had been estranged since Fritz’s last episode.
Mike Wolfe tried to help Frank Fritz
Being a concerned co-star and friend, Mike tried to help Fritz by involving his family and encouraging him to give up substances and alcohol. Contrary to the narrative that he shut Fritz out in a vulnerable period, Mike said he did his best to help but to no avail.
Mike clarified that he held no grudge against Fritz only because he was acting under the influence. Fritz came down with a stroke in 2022 and was immediately placed under the conservatorship of his friends and in a rehabilitation facility until he passed away weeks ago.