The roads we travel in life aren’t always the ones we expect to take. Frank Fritz was a fixture on American television, but off-screen, he was going through a terrible time.
This is the tragic account of his life…
Frank Fritz’s lifelong girlfriend was named Diann Bankson. Their split was so acrimonious that it caused him to lose his career, his health, and eventually his sobriety. Although they are no longer together, the memories they had will always be a part of each of their lives.
When “American Pickers” presenter Frank Fritz met Diann Bankson, she was 25. They had a sporadic relationship that culminated in an engagement in 2017. In 2018, they finally settled down together by purchasing a farm in Iowa.
Their relationship began to deteriorate in November when Bankson said she had “walked in” on Fritz “and caught him in bed with another woman.”
Fritz said in an interview that Bankson had cheated on him, and that he had a tattoo to remind him of her “betrayal.” But he said that he still had feelings for her and wanted to wed.
After saying, “I was going to get married, I bought a house and a big expensive ring, and then I found out that my fiancée had been dating somebody else for two and a half years,” Fritz said that he had been duped.
When asked why he got the tattoo that said “Once a cheater, always a cheater,” Fritz answered, “She’s the cheater, that’s why I got a tattoo saying ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater.'” He continued, saying that working with Bankson had “cost” him a lot of money.
He started drinking to help his damaged heart heal. He said that doing so helped him get over his feelings of loss. As a result, he lost a lot of weight. Fritz said, “I tried my best.” I drank to try to drive her away.
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He opted to take a break from dating while he worked on his alcoholism since his breakup with Bankson had “stung hard enough.”
He also had career setbacks after the separation. The Sun claims that he stopped hosting “American Pickers” on the History Channel in March of 2020.
Fritz said his absence was medically necessary, and that he intended to return to the programme after his back had fully recovered from surgery. I’d want to make another appearance on the programme,” Fritz remarked. I’ve made a full recovery and am eager to resume my duties.
Fritz said that there had been no definitive word from the programme about whether or not he would be returning. However, he did reveal that a showrunner had phoned him and assured him of a return to the series.
Despite Fritz’s decade-long tenure as a presenter, TMZ reports that the programme has “no plans” to bring him back.
Bankson introduced her new boyfriend, an Engineering Administration Manager named Eric Longlett, on his programme, and he was not invited back. She shared her feelings for him on social media, expressing her gratitude for her good fortune in finding him.
She captioned a photo of herself with Longlett and Elton John, writing, “He took me to see Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road Farewell Tour.” I know that my life is blessed. I oxo love you, baby.
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Fritz had a stroke and was hospitalised on July 4, 2022. When his buddy saw him lying on the floor, he immediately made a distress call. The US Sun obtained the 911 conversation in which the companion claimed, “he might be seizuring, I’m not sure.”
Bill Fritz, Fritz’s father, informed reporters that his son was improving daily and making a full recovery.
However, his improvement was not as substantial as expected by the medical staff. He was put under guardianship and sent to a nursing home after being discharged from the hospital.
On August 18, 2022, his “longtime friend” reportedly applied for and received emergency appointment for temporary guardian and conservatorship for him.
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A friend of his was named guardian, and the bank was given conservatorship over his assets.
The bank would act as his conservator and be responsible for making sure his care facility is adequately funded for things like food, medicine, maintenance, and property taxes. The financial institution would be responsible for providing him with reliable means of transportation to and from his many engagements and medical visits.
His buddy is his legal guardian, and as such, he has engaged “in decision-making since the stroke” and has submitted a “initial care plan” on his behalf.
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This would need the guardian to make choices on his behalf about his living situation, present domicile, health state, healthcare requirements, participation in activities, and communication with friends, family, and romantic interests. A annual report would be required of him as his guardian.
His health was deteriorating, making it difficult for him to make choices on his own, and his paperwork warned that “without which physical injury or illness may occur.”
The records revealed that his health was far more severe than had been assumed, namely that he was unable to “make, communicate, or carry out important decisions concerning his own financial affairs.”
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His guardian will have to make choices on his behalf until he is well enough to “receive treatment for his injuries.”
The court determined that Fritz needs a guardian to prevent any additional harm to his health. In order to protect him from “imminent harm,” the court has ordered the appointment of a guardian and conservator.
What a sad and tragic tale. Frank Fritz has our warmest wishes for a speedy recovery.