Life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys, and even well-known television personalities like Frank Fritz are not immune to personal struggles. Today, we dive into the heartbreaking story of Frank Fritz, the host of “American Pickers,” and the challenges he faced in his personal life.
A Love Gone Sour
Frank Fritz’s longtime partner was Diann Bankson, and their relationship had its fair share of ups and downs. Sadly, their love story took a turn for the worse, leading to a heartbreaking breakup. Bankson claimed to have caught Fritz in bed with another woman, which shattered their bond. Despite the betrayal, Fritz still had the desire to marry Bankson, as he had bought a house and an expensive ring for her. But the trust was broken, and this betrayal left him emotionally devastated.
Battling with Personal Demons
To cope with his broken heart, Fritz turned to alcohol, which only worsened his situation. The pain of the breakup took a toll on both his physical and mental health, resulting in weight loss. He admitted that he tried to drown his sorrows in alcohol, a dangerous path he found himself on.
From Success to Setbacks
As if dealing with a painful breakup wasn’t enough, Fritz also faced job loss. After March 2020, he was no longer hosting “American Pickers” on the History Channel due to health problems. While he mentioned his plans to return to the show once he had recovered from back surgery, the future was uncertain. Despite the setbacks, Fritz expressed his desire to make a comeback and continue his passion for the show.
New Beginnings
Amidst Fritz’s struggles, his ex-partner Bankson revealed her new relationship with Eric Longlett, an engineering administration manager. While she expressed her happiness and shared moments from their time together, Fritz focused on his own healing and recovery.
A Stroke of Misfortune
On July 4, 2022, tragedy struck when Frank Fritz suffered a stroke. Found on the floor of his house by a friend, he was immediately rushed to the hospital. While his father, Bill Fritz, reassured the public that his son was making progress every day, his rehabilitation did not go as smoothly as expected. After being discharged from the hospital, Fritz was placed under guardianship and sent to a nursing home.
A Friend in Need
To ensure that Fritz’s welfare and finances were taken care of, a “longtime friend” stepped in as his guardian, with a bank managing his conservatorship. This involved making decisions regarding his living situation, healthcare, and finances. A guardianship was necessary to protect Fritz’s health and well-being until he could make decisions and care for himself again.
Overcoming the Odds
The court recognized the need for a guardian and conservator to prevent Fritz from suffering harm in his vulnerable state. While his health and recovery remain a priority, we can only hope and send our best wishes for his well-being. Frank Fritz’s story is truly heartbreaking, and we encourage you to share this article with your loved ones to raise awareness and support his journey to recovery.
