Frank Fritz, one of the stars of the reality show American Pickers, has died in a hospice facility surrounded by friends.

He died on Monday night (local time) at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, said Annette Oberlander, a long-time friend.

He was 60.

“This is a very tough announcement to make. Frank passed away last night around 7.30,” a post on the Facebook page of Fritz’s friends said.

Fritz became famous driving around the US looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the History Channel program.

Oberlander said she was at his bedside, as was Mike Wolfe, who starred with Fritz for more than a decade on American Pickers.

“The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself,” Wolfe said an Instagram post mourning the loss of his friend.

Oberlander said Fritz had a stroke in 2022 and never fully recovered. She said a celebration of life, which will include a motorcycle run, will likely happen in the spring. 

“He was a fierce friend,” Oberlander said. 

“He leaves behind an incredible amount of friendships because that’s what was most important to him. A very large amount of friendships. Close friendships.”

The History Channel and Pickers producer Cineflix Production said in a joint statement that Fritz would be “deeply missed”.

“Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade,” it said.

“We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

American Pickers airs in Australia on the Seven Network.

-with AAP