Who died on 'American Pickers'? Meet the History stars we have lost through the years

Here's everything you need to know about the 'American Pickers' stars who have died over the years
PUBLISHED DEC 27, 2023
Throughout the journey of 'American Pickers', we have lost some notable personalities like Ronald 'Moleman' Heist and others (YouTube/History)
Throughout the journey of 'American Pickers', we have lost some notable personalities like Ronald 'Moleman' Heist and others (YouTube/History)

NASHVILLE, IOWA: 'American Pickers' Season 25 is on the horizon. 

Over the last couple of years, many stars have appeared on History's longtime running show 'American Pickers' which revolves around a bunch of people who travel across America in search of rare artifacts and treasures. 

The stars of the show are as follows: Mike Wolfe, Robin Wolfe, and Danielle Colby. During the series, the terrific trio either purchase the items to add them to their collections or sell them in their antique shops.

For those who are unaware, let us tell you, 'American Pickers' premiered on January 18, 2010, on the History Channel.

However, throughout the journey, we have lost some notable personalities like Ronald "Moleman" Heist and Bob Peterson.  

Read on to know more about the 'American Pickers' stars who have died.

Danielle Colby shared a photo of the 'American Pickers' for the brand new season set to release this December crew (Instagram/@daniellecolbyamericanpicker)
'American Pickers' Season 25 is set to release soon (Instagram/@daniellecolbyamericanpicker)

How did Ronald 'Moleman' Heist die?

Ronald 'Moleman' Heist died in March 2023 (YouTube/History)
Ronald 'Moleman' Heist died in March 2023 (YouTube/History)

Ronald "Moleman" Heist died earlier this year in March. He made an appearance in an episode of the History show 'American Pickers' around 8 years ago.

As per his online obituary, Heist died on March 7, 2023. He "unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep."

The 'American Pickers' star who was best known by the fans as 'Moleman' was born on May 7, 1950, in Butler, Pennsylvania. He lived "a very colorful and interesting life."

In the episode, Heist appeared on, Mike and now fired star Frank Fritz visited Pennsylvania to take a look at his valuable items.

'American Pickers' star Bob Peterson died at 72

According to The US Sun, in May 2022, Mike took to his Instagram page to talk about his longtime friend Bob Peterson who had appeared in the History series. Then, he revealed that his pal Peterson had died at 72. 

At that point, Wolfe posted a clip of Peterson from his appearance on 'American Pickers' and wrote,  "A few days ago we lost a man that we looked to as a mentor. Not just with mechanical things but in how we should live our lives."

He further added, "Bob was an example to us as someone that loved life and seized each day with so much passion. Always there to help with such conviction and of course humor. He was from an era that we can only romanticize about now."

Mike concluded, "My life and so many others lives were better with him in it… He will be greatly missed. I love you my friend."

What happened to Frank Fritz and how is doing now?

Frank Fritz suffered a stroke in July 2022 (YouTube/History)
Frank Fritz suffered a stroke in July 2022 (YouTube/History)

Frank Fritz suffered a stroke in July 2022. It has been reported by the media outlet The US Sun, that then, the right side of his body got paralyzed.

Fritz has been out of the limelight ever since then. At the moment, he's living in Le Claire, Iowa.

In August 2023, a close source told the media outlet, "Since the stroke, he’s been totally incognito. He doesn’t care to fraternize. He’s home when he wants to be.”

The insider stated that Frank has a small group of friends that he hangs out with.

The source went on to say, "They collect. With the internet, you can’t help but not. They’re buying and selling there all the time on the internet. He sells stuff all the time to private people."

The source continued, "He’s still picking signs, it’s his favorite. He’s a collector and a motorcycle head.”

How to watch 'American Pickers' Season 25?

The upcoming season of 'American Pickers' will be broadcast on December 27, 2023, at 9 pm ET only on the History channel of A+E Networks.

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