Life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys, and sometimes those journeys are filled with heartbreak. This is the story of Frank Fritz, a well-known television personality, who faced personal struggles that led to a tragic turn in his life.
Frank’s longtime partner was Diann Bankson, and their relationship had its ups and downs. Unfortunately, Frank’s turbulent divorce took a toll on his mental health, leading him down a path of alcoholism, unemployment, and health risks. Although they are no longer together, their time spent together left a lasting impact on both of their lives.
Frank Fritz, the familiar face from the popular show “American Pickers,” first met Diann Bankson when he was just 25 years old. After dating on and off, they got engaged in 2017 and purchased a farmhouse in Iowa the following year. However, their relationship took a sour turn in November of that same year when Bankson claimed to have discovered Frank in bed with another woman.
Frank faced a great deal of betrayal, but surprisingly, he still wanted to marry her. He had even bought a house and an expensive engagement ring. It was a devastating blow when he learned that his fiancee had been seeing someone else for the past 2.5 years. Heartbroken and dealing with the aftermath, Frank turned to alcohol as a way to cope. He lost a significant amount of weight during this difficult time.
“I gave it my best shot,” Frank admitted. “I tried to drown my sorrows in booze.” The pain of his failed relationship was too much to bear, and he needed time to heal. As a result, he decided to put off dating and focused on quitting drinking.
Adding to his personal struggles, Frank suffered losses at work following his divorce. According to reports, he will no longer be hosting “American Pickers” on the History Channel after March 2020. However, he remained hopeful of returning to the show after recovering from back surgery.
Fritz’s absence was attributed to his health issues, specifically his back surgery. He expressed his desire to return to the show once he had fully recovered. While he claimed that the show had not made a definitive decision about his return, he received a promise from a showrunner that he would be brought back.
Unfortunately, despite his ten years on the show, there are currently “no plans” for Frank Fritz to return as a host, according to TMZ. This added disappointment only added to the challenges he was already facing.
Apart from the professional setbacks, Frank had to witness his ex-lover Diann Bankson move on with her life. She revealed her new partner, Eric Longlett, an engineering administration manager, through a social media post. In the caption, she gushed about how lucky she felt to be with him and shared their experiences together.
On July 4, 2022, tragedy struck when Frank suffered a stroke and was rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, a friend found him and immediately called for help. While his father reported that he was doing well and improving every day, his road to recovery was challenging. After being discharged from the hospital, he was placed under guardianship and sent to a nursing home.
The guardianship was granted based on the recommendation of his “longtime friend” who took on the responsibility of being his guardian. Additionally, a bank was appointed to manage his finances as his conservator. This meant that the bank would handle all payments for his care facility, including daily costs, health insurance, and property taxes. The bank would also ensure that Frank had transportation for activities and doctor’s appointments.
It’s heartbreaking to learn that Frank’s condition has deteriorated, to the point where he is no longer able to make important decisions about his own financial affairs. Documents revealed that he requires a guardian until he is well enough to seek treatment for his injuries. The court ruled that the appointment of a guardian and conservator is necessary to protect his health and prevent immediate harm.
This story is truly heartbreaking, and we can only hope and pray for Frank Fritz’s health and recovery. Life can take unexpected turns, and it’s important to support those who are going through difficult times. Share this story with your friends and family so that they can be aware of what happened to their favorite TV show host and join us in sending Frank our best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Let’s come together as a community and show our support to Frank Fritz in his time of need.
