AMERICAN Pickers alum Frank Fritz is unable to return to the show after suffering a debilitating stroke in July 2022, as he has speech issues from the medical crisis.
Frank, 60, suffered a stroke in July 2022 and continues to recover today while under a conservatorship and guardianship.
4
4
The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal Frank is unable to return to the show over one year after suffering the stroke.
A source close to Frank told The U.S. Sun: “The stroke affected his speech, so he really can’t return to the show.
“But you never know, there is always hope one day.”
A second insider told The U.S. Sun: “He can’t come back and film, but the cast and show want him to.”
Read more on American Pickers
FRANK’S STRUGGLES
Frank last appeared on American Pickers in March 2020 before undergoing back surgery and was officially let go from the show in 2021.
He then suffered a stroke in July 2022.
Despite the health issue, a friend close to Frank previously told The U.S. Sun they have hope he could return one day in the future.
The insider said earlier this year: “He could go back to the show, maybe.
“He watches the new episodes. He’ll laugh about it. Got to find something on there to razz them about. He’ll tell them about it.”
The insider continued: “The crew comes to see him. They keep in touch. They come to see him when they’re in town. They all get together. It’s a good time.”
But the insider admitted: “I don’t know that he wants to [return to the show].”
The pal told The U.S. Sun of Frank’s recovery: “Frank continues to improve daily. You’re never 100 percent after a stroke, but he’s fine. He’s aware of what’s going on.
“If he were sitting here right now, you could sit and talk to him. He’s the same old Frank.”
The friend shared: “He can walk, but he’s always going to need the wheelchair because he can’t walk long distances.
Read Related Also: Kourtney Kardashian hugs Travis Barker during romantic getaway in sweet video despite backlash over vacation home
“Basically, you lose motion. He lost motion. A stroke can affect your left or your right side, it affected his right side.”
The source continued: “He’s had a stroke, but he’s definitely not debilitated to the point where he can’t do anything or do whatever he wants. He doesn’t have any problems with that. It’s just a change of lifestyle and it slowed him down.
“He’s the same old Frank. He has a good attitude and a great sense of humor. His mindset is positive.
“You gotta make the best of the situation so he’s come to terms with all of that.
“His mind is right, he’s a happy guy and his sense of humor is there.”
CONSERVATORSHIP
Frank was placed under conservatorship after he suffered the stroke in July 2022.
The U.S. Sun broke the news that the conservatorship was filed in August 2022.
The documents obtained by The U.S. Sun read: “Because of his stroke, Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety, or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.
“Mr. Fritz’s decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”
An exhibit was mentioned in the court papers from a doctor, allegedly confirming Frank does not have decisional capacity.
The legal papers continued: “Decisions must be made for Mr. Fritz’s care and placement while he continues to recover and receive treatment for his injuries.
“Appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to avoid immediate harm to him.”
The Petitioner requested a separate longtime friend of Frank’s, who has been assisting him in decision-making since the stroke, be his guardian.
The guardian will help Frank with his Crohn’s disease treatment and continued physical therapy.
Today, the show stars Mike, his brother Robbie and Danielle Colby.
Longtime guest Jersey Jon has been promoted to a full-time cast member this season.
4
4
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’
fbq(‘init’, ‘752905198150451’);
fbq(‘track’, “PageView”);
