Mike Wolfe: Car Accident, Divorce, and the End of a Picking Era

If you’ve followed Mike Wolfe on American Pickers, you know he lives for the hunt—unearthing rusty treasures and forgotten stories, but his own story has taken a turn nobody expected: in September 2025, he and his girlfriend Leticia Cline were injured in a serious car crash, and he later faced the devastating loss of his longtime co‑star Frank Fritz. Here’s what we actually know about his life, relationships, and recovery.

Born: 1964 ·
TV Show: American Pickers (2010–present) ·
Children: 1 daughter ·
Co‑star: Frank Fritz (until 2020) ·
Car Accident: September 2025

Here are the key facts about Mike Wolfe.

Why did Mike Wolfe’s wife leave him?

The divorce between Mike Wolfe and Jodi Faeth was finalized in 2020 after eight years of marriage, according to People magazine (celebrity news source). The couple had one daughter, Charlie. Public filings did not specify a reason for the split, but rumors later surfaced linking Wolfe to another woman.

Did Mike Wolfe cheat on his wife?

Multiple outlets reported that Wolfe began a relationship with model Leticia Cline in 2021, the same year Jodi filed for divorce. Yahoo Entertainment (entertainment news aggregator) described the timing as “coinciding” with the divorce proceedings, but neither Wolfe nor Cline has confirmed infidelity. The cause remains unconfirmed.

Who is Mike Wolfe’s ex-wife?

Jodi Catherine Wolfe (née Faeth) married Mike Wolfe in 2012. According to People magazine (celebrity news source), she filed for divorce in 2021 citing irreconcilable differences. The couple share custody of their daughter Charlie.

The implication: The divorce timeline overlaps with Wolfe’s new relationship, but without legal findings or public statements from either party, the exact reasons remain private.

What happened to Mike Wolfe from American Pickers?

Did Mike Wolfe have a car accident?

On September 8, 2025, Mike Wolfe and Leticia Cline were involved in a serious car crash in Columbia, Tennessee. Fox News (entertainment outlet) reported that Wolfe was hospitalized with facial injuries—a broken nose, stitches, and bruising—while Cline suffered far more severe injuries: a broken jaw, broken ribs, a sternum injury, a collapsed lung, and spinal swelling. Wolfe posted online that Cline remained hospitalized but expected a full recovery. The crash involved a vintage blue Porsche 356, according to TV Insider (entertainment news).

Is Mike Wolfe still on American Pickers?

Yes. Wolfe continues to host and produce American Pickers on the History Channel. The show remains on air, and there is no indication that his accident has affected his role. The network has not announced any changes to the production schedule.

Why this matters: The car accident forced Wolfe to haltingly step back from public appearances while recovering, but the show’s long-term future is still tied to his presence.

Why did Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz separate?

Was there a feud between Mike and Frank?

Yes. The picking duo, who met in the 1990s and launched American Pickers in 2010, experienced a fallout over business disagreements. According to TV Insider (entertainment news), the two had not spoken for years before Fritz’s death. Wolfe later expressed regret, saying in a statement that he wished things had been different.

When did Frank Fritz leave American Pickers?

Frank Fritz left the show in 2020. The network confirmed his departure, and he cited health issues. He later revealed he had Crohn’s disease and had suffered a stroke. Wolfe continued as the sole host alongside Danielle Colby.

The pattern: The rift was not a single event but a slow erosion of trust and communication, which ended a two-decade partnership.

Are Danielle and Mike still friends?

What is Danielle Colby’s role on American Pickers?

Danielle Colby runs the antique shop that serves as the show’s base and handles logistics for the picking trips. She has appeared in every season.

Did Danielle Colby speak about Mike Wolfe?

After Frank Fritz’s death, Colby posted a tribute online, but she has also publicly defended her friendship with Wolfe. In interviews, she described Wolfe as “still the same guy” and emphasized that they remain close. E! Online (celebrity news outlet) noted that Colby has continued working alongside Wolfe through the car accident aftermath.

The trade-off: While the Wolfe–Fritz relationship disintegrated, the Wolfe–Colby bond strengthened, giving the show a stable core.

What was the cause of Frank’s death on American Pickers?

When did Frank Fritz die?

Frank Fritz died on September 30, 2024, at age 60. TV Insider (entertainment news) broke the story, confirming that his cause of death was complications from a stroke he had suffered two years earlier.

What were Frank Fritz’s health issues?

Fritz had been battling Crohn’s disease for decades and suffered a stroke in 2022. He had corrective back surgery in 2023 and was recovering, but the stroke’s long-term effects ultimately led to his death. Wolfe’s official statement, reported by People magazine (celebrity news source), described Fritz as “a brother” and said, “There were days we didn’t talk, but I always loved him.”

What this means: The loss of Frank Fritz marks the end of an era for American Pickers. The show now moves forward as a solo venture with new pickers, but the dynamic that made it popular is irreplaceable.

“I remember the day I met Frank – he was so full of energy and excitement. Those early years of picking were the best of our lives.”

— Mike Wolfe in a statement after Fritz’s death, as reported by People magazine (celebrity news source)

“Mike and I are still the best of friends. We’ve been through a lot, and he’s always been there for me.”

— Danielle Colby, as quoted by E! Online (celebrity news outlet)

The loss of a co‑star and a near‑fatal crash would test anyone. For Mike Wolfe, the road ahead is about recovery—both from injury and from the end of a partnership that defined his career. For fans of American Pickers, the question isn’t whether the show will continue; it’s whether Wolfe can hold on to the joy of picking after so much loss.

Related reading: Mike Wolfe Update: New Show, Frank Fritz Tribute & Divorce · What Happened to Pat Sajak? Health Scare and Retirement