AMERICAN Pickers star Frank Fritz has suffered a stroke and remains in the hospital.
His former co-star Mike has begged fans for their prayers.
Mike, 58, made a lengthy statement on Instagram to share the sad news about his estranged friend Frank, 56.
He began: “I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on. There have 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.”
Mike concluded: “Frank, I pray more than anything that you make it through this okay. I love you, buddy.”
Fans of American Pickers rushed in to share their best wishes in the comments.
“Prayers to a full recovery!” wrote one.
Another shared: “I’m so sorry to hear this and I hope the two of you were able to heal old wounds.”
A third added: “Oh my god no! He’ll pull through.”
SHOWSHAKEUP
The shocking news of Frank’s stroke comes one year after he was fired from his role on American Pickers.
He last appeared on the show during a March 2020 episode, before he took time off to recover from a grueling back surgery that left him with 185 stitches and two rods in his spine.
Mike was the one who publicly revealed that Frank had been booted from the show in July 2021.
Although they were childhood friends, Frank exclusively revealed to The Sun that Mike has not reached out to him since he was fired from the show.
“I haven’t talked to Mike in two years,” he said.
“He knew my back was messed up, but he didn’t call me up and ask how I was doing. That’s just how it is.”
Since Frank was let go, The Sun has revealed that the show’s ratings have plummeted to under one million viewers for the first time in years.
Viewers have claimed that it is “unwatchable” without Indiana native Frank.
HEALTH HISTORY
In an effort to turn his life around, Frank recently lost 65 pounds and he was believed to be living a healthier lifestyle and avoiding alcohol.
He told The Sun last year that he checked into rehab for alcohol abuse for 77 days.
It came after his nasty split from longtime girlfriend turned ex-fiancee Diann Bankson.
Frank said of their breakup: “I tried to drink her away. I never drink that much before.”
The vintage enthusiast also suffers from Crohn’s disease, which he has been battling for over 30 years.
Besides his health issues, Frank had been working on his own Illinois antique shop since he was let go by The History Channel.
www.the-sun.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism