The cause of death for Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of KISS, has been officially disclosed. Frehley passed away on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey, following a fall he suffered at his residence several weeks prior.
According to a report from the Morris County Medical Examiner, as referenced by PEOPLE, Frehley’s death was attributed to blunt trauma injuries sustained from the fall, and it has been classified as an accidental death. He was 74 years old at the time of his passing.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” read a statement from his family, reflecting their profound loss.
“In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth,” it continued. “We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.”
Frehley told fans via social media the fall had been “minor,” but that he would still need to cancel a performance in California, scheduled for Sept. 26. Then, on Oct. 6, he canceled the rest of his 2025 tour dates “due to ongoing medical issues.”
The coroner’s detailed examination revealed that Frehley endured extensive bruising, facial fractures near his eyes and left ear, and a critical brain bleed, as reported by NJ Advance Media.
Renowned for his “Spaceman” persona, which he embodied with KISS’s iconic black and white makeup, Frehley was instrumental in the band’s formation in 1973 before departing in 1982. A native of New York, he was laid to rest in the Bronx, where a private ceremony was held. This intimate gathering included close family members and original KISS bandmates Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss.
