In Loving Memory Of Kiss Co-Founder And Guitarist Ace Frehley:
The cause of death for Ace Frehley, founding guitarist of KISS, has been confirmed by the Morris County Medical Examiner, according to reports from outlets including People and TMZ. Frehley, who was 74, died from blunt head trauma sustained after a fall, and his death has been ruled accidental. His family previously announced that he died on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, stating he passed away peacefully while surrounded by relatives. In their statement, the family expressed the depth of their grief and noted that they were present during his final moments.
Before his death, Frehley had reportedly experienced a fall in late September. A post shared on his social media accounts on September 25 indicated that he had been hospitalized and was advised not to travel. This resulted in the cancellation of a scheduled performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in California. A week later, he canceled additional tour dates set for 2025 in several states, with the announcement attributing the cancellations to ongoing medical concerns.
Frehley was one of the original members of KISS, forming the band with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. The group gained widespread recognition after releasing multiple albums in the mid-1970s and became known for their highly theatrical performances, recognizable face paint, and elaborate stage effects. Their catalog includes well-known songs such as “Rock And Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and “I Was Made For Lovin’ You.” The band officially ended touring as a unit in 2023.