‘American Pickers’ Mike Wolfe Gives Health Update on Frank Fritz, ‘Needs Time to Heal’

Mike Wolfe released a statement to People Magazine about Frank Fritz, who according to Wolfe had a stroke this past week and was in the hospital.

A representative for Wolfe told People Magazine, “We asked that everyone keeps Frank and their thoughts and prayers,” a rep for Wolfe, 58, told PEOPLE. “The most important thing is that we allow him time to heal and giving [sic] him the space to do so.”

Frank Fritz from ‘American Pickers’ Hospitalized after Stroke, Estranged Friend Mike Wolfe asks for ‘Prayers’

Mike originally shared the information about Fritz on Instagram:

“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Franks life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend.

Frank has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. Please keep him in your hearts and thoughts.

Frank I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you buddy.”

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A post shared by Mike Wolfe (@mikewolfeamericanpicker)

Danielle Colby, the woman who spent most of her time sending Mike and Frank to randoms spots to pick, originally shared Wolfe’s post explaining that she didn’t know what was going on. Later Colby deleted her post, possibly to stay out of the fray over the drama on how Fritz left the show.

Her now deleted post read, “I’ve just woken to this post by Mike and an article by TMZ. I have no idea what the situation is until I speak with my AP crew. Until then I’m flying blind on my information so I will simply say this… Frank, you’ve got the fight in you. I’ve watched it for almost 2 decades. Just keep on fighting. Never stop fighting. I’ve learned never to trust a tabloid, so, I’ll post more when I speak with actual humans that I trust with such personal and delicate information.”

Fritz departure from the show was unannounced and caught many viewers off guard. With the pandemic shutdown of the show right after Fritz left for back surgery as well as to deal with alcohol issues, it was almost a year after that when people realized Fritz was no longer on the show.

We originally reported on Fritz’s stroke late last week.

We hope that Frtiz and Wolfe can repair their friendship and hope that Fritz will be welcomed back to “Amerian Pickers” as it is just not the same show without him.