Rock and roll icon Ace Frehley, renowned as a founding member of KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. Frehley died on Thursday following a severe brain bleed that left him on life support.

The legendary guitarist’s family made the heart-wrenching decision to remove him from life support after he was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. This decision came after Frehley showed no signs of recovery, according to reports from TMZ.

The medical crisis began a few weeks earlier when Frehley suffered a fall in his home studio, leading to a head injury that precipitated his condition, as detailed by the outlet.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, Frehley’s representative, Lori Lousararian, confirmed that his health took a downturn following the fall, though further specifics were not immediately available.

The deterioration of Frehley’s health led to the cancellation of his remaining tour dates. Sources close to the musician revealed to TMZ that he endured several days on a ventilator, with minimal signs of improvement, before his family faced the difficult choice.

In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Frehley’s family expressed their profound sorrow and heartbreak over his death, while taking solace in having ensured his comfort during his final moments.

KISS legend Ace Frehley has died at the age of 74 after suffering a devastating brain bleed that left him on life support; (pictured 2018 in NYC)

After being hospitalized and placed on a ventilator, the iconic musician died Thursday when his family made the difficult decision to turn off life support; Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons pictured in 1975

‘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,’ Frehley’s family said.

Frehley’s family honored the musicians legacy as well as ‘his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.’

They continued: ‘The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.

‘Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!’

Frehley — the Bronx-born guitarist who helped form KISS in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss — played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s wild, face-painted legacy. 

Frehley was the guitar genius behind KISS classics like Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Rock and Roll All Nite. 

After leaving the group in 1982, he launched Frehley’s Comet before reuniting with KISS for their blockbuster 1996 reunion tour. 

He remained until 2002, continuing to perform and record solo in the years that followed. 

Just last month, he revealed he had suffered a ‘minor fall in his studio’ that landed him in the hospital.

Frehley abruptly announced he was canceling the rest of his 2025 tour

The musician reportedly collapsed in his home studio a few weeks ago, hitting his head in a frightening fall that triggered the medical crisis; (Stanley, Peter Criss, Simmons, Frehley in 1976)

Frehley’s official Instagram assured fans he was ‘fine,’ in an Instagram post on September 25, though doctors had ordered him not to travel 

Just a week later, a follow-up post confirmed he was canceling the remainder of his 2025 dates, citing ‘ongoing medical issues.’  

The emotional posts left fans frantic for answers, especially after Frehley abruptly announced he was canceling the rest of his 2025 tour.

‘Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates,’ read the somber message posted to his official Instagram on Monday, October 6.

It was the second time in weeks the ‘Spaceman’ musician pulled out of shows due to health concerns.  Just last month, he revealed he had suffered a ‘minor fall in his studio’ that landed him in the hospital.

The post at the time read: ‘Dear Rock Soldiers, Ace had a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital. He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time.

‘As a result, he is forced to cancel his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California on Friday, September 26th.

‘Please go to the fair to support his friends in Quiet Riot and Vixen, and Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, Origins Vol. 4.’

Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello posted an emotional memorial mentioning what a huge impact the musician had on him and his career 

Poison frontman Bret Michaels shared an emotional memorial to Ace on social media

Rumors rippled through the rock world that Frehley had passed after veteran music journalist Mitch Lafon tweeted, ‘Ace, Thank you for the music & memories God bless.’

In a joint statement submit to The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said they were ‘devastated’ by Fraley’s death, calling him ‘an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.’

The iconic pair continued: ‘He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. [Our] thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.’

The cryptic farewell was echoed by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, who added, ‘Godspeed, Ace’ – fueling speculation that something was seriously wrong with the beloved guitarist.

Poison frontman Bret Michaels shared an emotional memorial to Ace on social media with a selfie of them posed with one another.  

‘Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,’ Michaels said in reference to the 1988 Poison party anthem. 

He wrapped up in writing, ‘All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!!’

Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello posted an emotional memorial mentioning what a huge impact the musician had on him and his career.

Musician MJ Keenan shared a childhood memory as he tried to emulate his hero Frehley

Musician Richie Kotzen said he was ‘saddened’ to hear about the death of ‘a true legend,’ accompanying the post with the selfie of them posed together

‘My first guitar hero, Ace Frehley, has passed away,’ Morello said. ‘The legendary Space Ace Frehley inspired generations to love rock n roll and love rock n roll guitar playing.

‘His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten.

Morello finished in thanking Frehley ‘for a lifetime of great music and memories.’

Musician Richie Kotzen said he was ‘saddened’ to hear about the death of ‘a true legend,’ accompanying the post with the selfie of them posed together.  

The troubling news about Frehley comes just days after his KISS bandmate Simmons broke his silence following a frightening car crash in Malibu. 

KISS icon Gene Simmons has broken his silence after he was hospitalized following a car crash in Malibu earlier this week

The 76-year-old star was hospitalized last week after apparently passing out while driving down Pacific Coast Highway and slamming into a parked car.

Simmons was treated at a local hospital and later released, telling fans he’s ‘completely fine.’ 

Taking to X, the bassist joked about his driving skills while thanking everyone for their support: ‘Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I’m completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us who are horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well.’

NBC4 LA reported that Simmons’ Lincoln Navigator veered into a parked vehicle after he allegedly fainted behind the wheel. 

The rock icon has since reassured fans he’s recovering and doing well.