This week’s digest covers notable figures making headlines for various reasons, including the heartbreaking passing of “American Pickers” star Frank Fritz, Lady Gaga’s bold appearance at the Los Angeles premiere of “Joker: Folie à Deux”, and the modeling debut of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s daughter, Sunday Rose. Delve in to discover more about these stories and others!
On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Mike Wolfe, longtime friend and co-star of Frank Fritz, announced his death on Instagram. He shared that Fritz passed away the previous night, marking the end of a journey filled with friendship and shared adventures. The news will surely resonate with “American Pickers” fans, who remember Fritz as a beloved figure from the show.
Wolfe, who said he had been close to Fritz for more than half his life, expressed his heartbreak in his social media post. He described Fritz as a dreamer who touched the hearts of many, both on and off the screen.
“Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,” Wolfe wrote. “[…] 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 your [sic] in a better place.”Fritz’s death was also confirmed by Annette Oberlander Willows, a close friend and administrator of the Facebook group, Frank Fritz Friends. She shared the news that the reality show star passed away at around 7:30 pm and that Wolfe had rushed from Nashville to be with Fritz in his final moments.
In her heartfelt post, she expressed the difficulty of the situation, asking for kindness and support as they cope with the loss.As news of Fritz’s passing spread, fans and friends took to social media. Oliver Starr, another admin from the Facebook group Frank Fritz Friends provided more information about the reality star’s condition leading to his death.
“[Frank] fought a valiant battle the last two years with many ups and downs but ultimately the combination of the severe stroke and his Crohn’s disease was just too much for his body to bear. We have lost a truly genuine person who loved people and gave us much joy,” he wrote. Under Annette’s post, a friend shared their personal memories, “I’m so very sad and shaken to hear he passed. I will always remember him as the first guy in high school that I knew who had a motorcycle. […] Thank you, Annette, for always being honest with all of us and being there for him. He will be missed.”
Another member of the group wrote, “I’ll always remember the good times with Frank playing Risk at my house. Driving around in his Nova. Being the class clown in our 12th grade English class.