American Pickers’ co-host Frank Fritz was not married but was engaged to his ex-fiancee Diann Bankson.
Sadly, Frank Fritz passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 60. Earlier, he suffered a stroke in 2022 in his Iowa home.
Highlights
- Frank Fritz has passed away at the age of 60 following an undisclosed cause.
- Fritz was engaged to his ex-fiance, Diann Bankson, in 2017, but they separated in 2019.
- Diann Bankson is a survey technician in Davenport City.
Moreover, his friend said that he had been left in a wheelchair following the stroke. Fritz had seen his health gradually deteriorate since his departure from the show in 2021.
Mike Wolfe, American Pickers’ co-star, shared the sad news in a post on Instagram on October 1, 2024. He wrote,
“Frank passed away last night. I’ve [known] Frank for more [than] half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,”
His co-star Danielle Colby also posted a tribute for the late star. He wrote,
Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,’ ‘Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more. Rest in Peace Road Dog.’
Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on the show, also honored his memory following his death. He wrote,
‘It’s with a heavy heart I’m sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night. ‘You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed. ‘Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know you’re in a better place… Love you buddy hope you catch the big one until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady.’
However, Fritz’s contributions to the entertainment field will be remembered forever.
American Pickers Co-star Frank Fritz Cheated On His Ex-Fiance Diann Bankson
At age 25, Frank Fritz met his ex-fiancee Diann Bankson, and the pair started dating in 2016, making a public appearance.
The couple had an on-again, off-again dynamic that spanned several decades. Later, they got engaged in 2017 and bought a stunning Iowa home together for $355,000 in March 2018.
Their relationship took a turn when Diann publicly accused Fritz of infidelity, claiming she caught him in bed with another woman in November 2018.
Sadly, the couple officially separated in 2019. Fritz changed the locks on a shared home in Iowa, effectively locking Bankson out.
We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of The HISTORY Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. pic.twitter.com/2kKSdgVqdS
— American Pickers (@americanpickers) October 1, 2024
After the two reconciled, she claimed an incident occurred at the farmhouse when Frank and a friend set off fireworks.
In January 2021, Bankson sued Frank for $50,000 and filed a lawsuit against him, alleging negligence related to fireworks that resulted in her suffering third-degree burns.
Fritz and Diann made serious allegations against each other. He claimed that Bankson had an affair for 2 and half years during their time together and attributed his struggles with alcohol.
Follwing the split, Bankson said,
“I don’t care to have drama or chaos in my life, I’m just trying to heal right now. It’s been two years, I’m ready to move on.”
Additionally, Frank sold his Iowa mansion for $358,000 in 2021 after their split. He said,
“You’d think I would have learned, she cheated each time. I don’t think she can help herself. “I do not need to spend one minute of my day thinking about anything to do with her. I’m no angel, but neither is she.”
Frank Fritz’s Ex-Fiance Diann Bankson, Is a Survey Technician
Diann Bankson, 59, was born in 1966 in Davenport, Iowa, United States.
According to her official LinkedIn profile, she is serving as a survey technician in the city of Davenport.
She is not so much active on social media. Therfore, only limited information is available about her personal life.
Her Facebook handle suggests that she has one granddaughter named Truly Uly. Bankson went to the theater with her to watch “Inside Out 2” on June 20, 2024.
Additional Information
- Frank Fritz had an estimated net worth of $6 million at his passing.
- He was born to his father, Bill Fritz, and his mother, Susan Zirbes.
- Fritz has written a book titled “How to Pick Vintage Motorcycles.”
